“A judgment or decision is said to be ultra petita when it awards more than was sought or sued for in the petition or summons; and the same thing is said of a sentence when it [does] not conform to its grounds and warrants. This affords a good ground for the reversal or reduction of such a decree.” John Trayner, Trayner’s Latin Maxims 609–10 (4th ed. 1894).
ultra petita
ultra petita ([schwa]l-tr[schwa] p[schwa]-tI-t[schwa]). [Law Latin] Hist. Beyond that which was sought.
