The Standard Code Of Parliamentary Procedure

"The purpose of parliamentary law is to assist an assembly in carrying out its purposes. It is the code of ethics of working together-the rules of the game. Parliamentary law is concerned with the means by which beliefs and ideas are best translated into effective group action." -from Preface

Already the acclaimed choice of thousands of successful organizations including the American Library Association, the Fourth Edition features an all-new chapter that considers the ways the Internet and other state-of-the-art technologies have rewritten the rules of today's meetings and conventions. This easy-to-use, paperback volume-- the popular alternative to Robert's Rules-- is the most comprehensive, understandable, and logical guide to smooth-running, professional meetings. Alice Sturgis was a practicing parliamentarian and consultant to national and international professional and business organizations. She taught at Stanford University and the University of California.

This reference book is primarily a procedural work which examines the many forms, customs, and practices which have been developed and established for the House of Commons since Confederation in 1867. It provides a distinctive Canadian perspective in describing procedure in the House up to the end of the first session of the 36th Parliament in Sept. 1999. The material is presented with full commentary on the historical circumstances which have shaped the current approach to parliamentary business. Key Speaker's rulings and statements are also documented and the considerable body of practice, interpretation, and precedents unique to the Canadian House of Commons is amply illustrated. Chapters of the book cover the following: parliamentary institutions; parliaments and ministries; privileges and immunities; the House and its Members; parliamentary procedure; the physical & administrative setting; the Speaker & other presiding officers; the parliamentary cycle; sittings of the House; the daily program; oral & written questions; the process of debate; rules of order & decorum; the curtailment of debate; special debates; the legislative process; delegated legislation; financial procedures; committees of the whole House; committees; private Members' business; public petitions; private bills practice; and the parliamentary record. Includes index.

The classic guide to meeting procedure—updated to meet the needs of today’s organizations For more than 60 years, American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (formerly, the Sturgis Standard Code) has been helping meeting organizers and participants ensure fairness and justice on a consistent basis. This updated edition provides important new motions and protocols pertaining to electronic meetings, discipline, and finance and audit committees. “The Standard Code lays out the rules in a clear, concise, and readable format for all to use.” —former U.S. Senator Don Nickles “Meeting rules can be abstruse, even to the point of frustration to the average member in an organization. The Standard Code promises to keep the rules simple and understandable—and has delivered on its promise for more than sixty years.” —Robert Dove, Parliamentarian Emeritus of the United States Senate “Takes uncommon terminology and puts it in everyday terms for more clarity in meetings. The Standard Code is an important addition to any parliamentary library.” —Ronald R. Stinson, NAP President 2009-2011 “The meeting-attendee who picks this book up will not only become proficient in the use of the meeting rules, but will also learn the important democratic principles behind the rules.” —Congressman Mike Simpson (Idaho) “Comprehensive and easily understandable.” —Perry Opin, D.D.S., M.Sc.D., Speaker of the House of Delegates of the Connecticut State Dental Association

Already the acclaimed choice of thousands of successful organizations including the American Library Association, the Fourth Edition features an all-new chapter that considers the ways the Internet and other state-of-the-art technologies have rewritten the rules of today’s meetings and conventions. This easy-to-use, paperback volume—the popular alternative to Robert’s Rules—is the most comprehensive, understandable, and logical guide to smooth-running, professional meetings.Alice Sturgis was a practicing parliamentarian and consultant to national and international professional and business organizations. She taught at Stanford University and the University of California.