Robert's Rules Minute is a new periodic feature of County Officials E-News. We plan to share more topic-specific procedural information related to Robert's Rules of Order in the future; stay tuned!
Picture this: A county commission meeting is moving along when a commissioner suddenly announces, “Point of Order!”
Everyone stops. The chair looks up. A few commissioners exchange glances. Now what?
Under Robert’s Rules of Order, a point of order is how a member calls attention to a possible violation of the rules governing the meeting. It isn't an opportunity to disagree with another commissioner or argue against a motion. It's about making sure the proper procedures are being followed.
So, what happens next?
- The member raises the point. A commissioner states, “Point of Order!” and identifies the rule they believe is being violated.
- The chair makes a ruling. The presiding officer determines whether the point is “well taken” (the member is correct) or “not well taken” (no violation has occurred).
- The meeting moves forward. If the point is well taken, the chair corrects the procedural issue. If not, proceedings continue.
- The ruling may be appealed. Generally, a member may appeal the chair's decision, allowing the assembly to decide the procedural question, subject to the rules governing appeals.
Here's something worth remembering: A point of order generally does not require a second, is not debatable, and can interrupt a speaker when an immediate violation of the rules needs to be addressed.
Learn more about parliamentary procedures in e-Li, our electronic library.