points and motions

POINTS DESCRITIONS

Point of Order Points of order are used when delegates believe the chair has made an error in the running of the committee. Delegates rising to points of order may not speak on the substance of the matter under discussion. They should only specify the errors they believe were made in the formal committee procedure.

Point of Inquiry (or Point of Parliamentary Procedure)

When the floor is open (i.e., no other delegate is speaking), a delegate may rise to a point of inquiry in order to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of procedure.

Point of Personal Privilege

Points of personal privilege are used to inform the chairperson of a physical discomfort a delegate is experiencing, such as the inability to hear another delegate’s speech.

Point of Information

After a delegate has given a speech in formal debate, he or she may yield time to points of information, or questions from other delegates concerning the speech.

Motions Descriptions

Suspend the Meeting

Suspending the meeting means calling for a moderated or unmoderated caucus. When moving to suspend the meeting, delegates should specify the purpose for and length of the suspension. This motion requires an immediate vote.

Adjourn Meeting

pointsAdjourning the meeting ends the committee session until the next session, which may be held the following year. The motion is most commonly made to end a committee session for the purpose of lunch or dinner. It requires an immediate vote.

Table Debate

Tabling debate ends debate on the topic. Delegates can table debate, move on to another topic and return to the first topic at a later time. Before going to a vote, two delegates must speak in favor of tabling debate and two speak against it.

Close Debate

Closing debate allows the committee to move into voting procedure. Once a delegate feels that his or her country’s position has been made clear, that there are enough draft resolutions on the floor and that all other delegates are ready, he or she can move for the closure of debate. Two delegates usually speak against the closure of debate. None speak for it.

Appeal the Chair’s Decision

This motion is made when a delegate feels that the chairperson has made an incorrect decision. The appeal must first be made in writing.