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Parliamentary Rules

 

Point of Order – A delegate may use this point to complain about departure from parliamentary procedure.

 

Point of Personal Privilege – A delegate may use this point to request permission to leave committee temporarily, be added to the speakers’ list, etc.

 

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry – A delegate uses this point to ask how specific parliamentary rules work.

 

Point of Parliamentary Procedure – A delegate may use this point to request specific changes to parliamentary procedure. This should be used to increase the number of comments or speaking time, and may also be used to request a role call vote.

 

Right of Reply – A delegate who feels they have been slandered personally may rise to request a right of reply. It is at a chair’s discretion as to whether or not to grant this right. Replies shall be limited to 1 minute, and there may be no reply to a reply.

 

Motion to Suspend Debate – This motion is used to temporarily suspend debate, generally for lunchtime.

 

Motion to Adjourn Debate – This motion closes a session of debate. It should be used at the end of the conference.

 

Motion for a “blank” Minute Caucus – This allows the committee to vote on having an un-moderated caucus of the requested length.

 

Motion for a “blank” Minute Moderated Caucus – This allows committee to vote on having a moderated caucus of the requested length. A moderated caucus is effectively a series of very short speeches without comments.

 

Closure of Debate – This motion ends debate on a topic so the committee may move into voting block. It requires 2 speakers for, 2 speakers against, and a 2/3s majority to pass.

 

Postponement of Debate – This motion ends discussion on a topic and tables all proposed resolutions and amendments on it. It requires 2 speakers for, 2 speakers against, and a 2/3s majority to pass.

 

Motion to Open/Close the Speakers List – This motion requires a simple majority to pass.

 

Motion to Move into Voting Block – This motion requires a 2 speakers for and 2 speakers against but needs only a simple majority to pass.