Legal Definitions - accroach

Accroach

To accroach means to unlawfully take or exercise power or authority that one does not legitimately possess. It describes the act of assuming control or performing actions that are outside the scope of one's rightful mandate or legal authorization. The related term, accroachment, refers to such an act of unauthorized power.

• Example 1: A regional sales director, without consulting the board of directors or the CEO, unilaterally decides to sell off a major company factory in their territory.
  Explanation: The sales director is attempting to accroach power because the decision to sell a significant company asset is typically reserved for the highest levels of corporate governance, not an individual regional director. They are exercising authority they do not legitimately possess.
• Example 2: A city council member, acting alone and without a formal vote or legislative process, publicly declares a new city-wide tax on all local businesses.
  Explanation: This council member is engaging in accroachment by attempting to impose a tax. The power to levy taxes legally rests with the entire city council through a collective vote and specific legislative procedures, not with a single member acting independently.
• Example 3: A volunteer neighborhood watch coordinator begins issuing official-looking "fines" to residents for minor infractions like leaving trash cans out too long, even though they have no legal authority to impose penalties or collect money.
  Explanation: The coordinator is accroaching power by attempting to enforce laws and issue fines. This authority is legally reserved for law enforcement agencies or authorized municipal bodies, not for private citizens or volunteer groups.