Parliamentary refers to the activities and decisions made by a group of people responsible for creating laws and regulations for a country or organisation. It also encompasses the procedures and guidelines followed during important decision-making meetings.
Parliamentary is an adjective that pertains to a parliament or the regulations governing the conduct of business in a deliberative assembly. For instance, the United Kingdom operates under a parliamentary system of government, where a monarch serves as the head of state and a prime minister serves as the head of government. In a parliamentary debate, members of parliament adhere to strict rules of order to ensure equal opportunity for all to speak and to ensure fair decision-making. The first example demonstrates the use of parliamentary to describe a government system based on a parliament, while the second example illustrates its use in describing the regulations followed during a parliamentary debate.
Parliamentary law is a set of rules and procedures that govern the conduct of meetings and decision-making processes in organisations, such as corporations, associations, and government bodies.
The purpose of parliamentary law is to ensure that meetings are conducted in an orderly and fair manner, that all members have an opportunity to participate and express their views, and that decisions are made by a majority vote.
The basic principles of parliamentary law include the right of every member to participate and be heard, the requirement of a quorum for conducting business, the use of a formal agenda and rules of order, and the use of a majority vote to make decisions.
A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting in order for business to be conducted. The specific quorum requirement is usually set forth in the organisation’s bylaws.
A motion is a proposal made by a member at a meeting for the consideration and action of the group. Motions can be used to introduce new business, amend existing business, or take other actions.
A point of order is a procedural objection raised by a member when they believe that the rules of parliamentary law are being violated. The presiding officer must rule on the point of order and take appropriate action.
A vote of no confidence is a motion made by members of an organisation to express their lack of confidence in the leadership or management of the organisation. The vote is usually taken by secret ballot.
A proxy vote is a vote cast by a member who is unable to attend a meeting in person. The member designates another person to cast their vote on their behalf.
An executive session is a closed meeting of the members of an organisation, usually for the purpose of discussing confidential or sensitive matters. The proceedings of an executive session are not made public.
An appeal is a procedural mechanism by which a member can challenge a ruling or decision made by the presiding officer or the group. The appeal is usually heard by a higher authority, such as a board of directors or an appellate court.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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