Point of order
From Free net encyclopedia
- For the 1964 documentary film, see Point of Order (film).
A point of order is a matter raised during a debate concerning the rules of debating themselves. Most parliamentary and debating systems allow points of order to be raised if the rules have been broken, thus interrupting the debate itself. The point is resolved before the debate continues.
Until recently in the British House of Commons it was required that a member raising a point of order while the House is voting be wearing a hat, and two hats were kept in the House for such occasions. This practice has now been abolished [1].
In the United States Senate, the chair's ruling may be appealed by any Senator. The Senate votes on the appeal and the chair has been frequently overturned.
Points of order with regard to the Budget Act or annual budget resolution may be waived by 3/5 of the Senate's entire membership. Rule XVI, which prohibits normal legislation in appropriations legislation, may be waved by 2/3 of the Senate.
The card game Mao also features points of order.