Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], ''quorum'' of justices of the peace, from [[Latin]], of whom, genitive plural of qui who; from the wording of the commission formerly issued to justices of the peace. Designated by the Latin quorum vos … unum ( duos, etc.) esse volumus ‘of whom we wish that you … be one (two, etc).’

[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], ''quorum'' of justices of the peace, from [[Latin]], of whom, genitive plural of qui who; from the wording of the commission formerly issued to justices of the peace. Designated by the Latin quorum vos … unum ( duos, etc.) esse volumus ‘of whom we wish that you … be one (two, etc).’

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 1602]

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 1602]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1:  a select [[group]]

*1:  a select [[group]]

*2:  the number (as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business

*2:  the number (as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business

*3:  a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism Mormon] body comprising those in the same grade of [[priesthood]]  

*3:  a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism Mormon] body comprising those in the same grade of [[priesthood]]  

==Description==

==Description==

A '''quorum''' is the minimum number of members of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deliberative_assembly deliberative assembly] (a body that uses [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_procedure parliamentary procedure], such as a legislature) necessary to conduct the business of that group. According to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert%27s_Rules_of_Order ''Robert's Rules of Order''] Newly Revised, the "requirement for a ''quorum'' is protection against totally unrepresentative [[action]] in the name of the body by an unduly small number of persons."

A '''quorum''' is the minimum number of members of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deliberative_assembly deliberative assembly] (a body that uses [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_procedure parliamentary procedure], such as a legislature) necessary to conduct the business of that group. According to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert%27s_Rules_of_Order ''Robert's Rules of Order''] Newly Revised, the "requirement for a ''quorum'' is protection against totally unrepresentative [[action]] in the name of the body by an unduly small number of persons."

The number of members that constitutes a ''quorum'' differs depending on the assembly and is usually provided for in that assembly's governing documents (for example, its [[constitution]], charter, bylaws or standing orders). The ''quorum'' may also be set by [[law]]. While a [[majority]] of members is often the ''quorum'' for legislative bodies it doesn't have to be. Often ordinary societies (voluntary associations) will have a smaller quorum. ''Robert's Rules'' provides that the quorum set in an [[organization]]'s bylaws "should approximate the largest number that can be depended on to attend any meeting except in very bad weather or other extremely unfavorable conditions."

The number of members that constitutes a ''quorum'' differs depending on the assembly and is usually provided for in that assembly's governing documents (for example, its [[constitution]], charter, bylaws or standing orders). The ''quorum'' may also be set by [[law]]. While a [[majority]] of members is often the ''quorum'' for legislative bodies it doesn't have to be. Often ordinary societies (voluntary associations) will have a smaller quorum. ''Robert's Rules'' provides that the quorum set in an [[organization]]'s bylaws "should approximate the largest number that can be depended on to attend any meeting except in very bad weather or other extremely unfavorable conditions."

In the [[absence]] of such a provision in the bylaws of a society or assembly, what constitutes a ''quorum'' differs. ''Robert's Rules'' provides that in such a case, a ''quorum'' in an assembly "whose real membership can be [[accurately]] determined at any time—that is, in a body having an enrolled membership composed only of persons who maintain their [[status]] as members in a prescribed manner—the ''quorum'' is a majority of the entire membership, by the common parliamentary law." In the meetings of a [[convention]], unless provided otherwise in the bylaws, a quorum is a majority of registered [[delegates]], even if some have departed. In a mass meeting, or "in a regular or properly called meeting" of an organization whose bylaws do not prescribe a ''quorum'' and whose membership is loosely determined, such as many religious congregations or [[alumni]] associations, "there is no minimum number of members who must be present for the valid [[transaction]] of business, or —as it is usually expressed—the quorum consists of those who attend the meeting."

In the [[absence]] of such a provision in the bylaws of a society or assembly, what constitutes a ''quorum'' differs. ''Robert's Rules'' provides that in such a case, a ''quorum'' in an assembly "whose real membership can be [[accurately]] determined at any time—that is, in a body having an enrolled membership composed only of persons who maintain their [[status]] as members in a prescribed manner—the ''quorum'' is a majority of the entire membership, by the common parliamentary law." In the meetings of a [[convention]], unless provided otherwise in the bylaws, a quorum is a majority of registered [[delegates]], even if some have departed. In a mass meeting, or "in a regular or properly called meeting" of an organization whose bylaws do not prescribe a ''quorum'' and whose membership is loosely determined, such as many religious congregations or [[alumni]] associations, "there is no minimum number of members who must be present for the valid [[transaction]] of business, or —as it is usually expressed—the quorum consists of those who attend the meeting."

In a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_of_the_Whole Committee of the Whole] or its variants, a ''quorum'' is the same as the assembly unless otherwise provided in the assembly's bylaws or rules. In all other committees and boards, a ''quorum'' is a majority of the members of the board or committee unless the bylaws, the rule of the parent [[organization]], or the motion establishing the particular committee provide otherwise. According to ''Robert's Rules'', "a board or committee does not have the [[power]] to determine its quorum unless the bylaws so provide."

In a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_of_the_Whole Committee of the Whole] or its variants, a ''quorum'' is the same as the assembly unless otherwise provided in the assembly's bylaws or rules. In all other committees and boards, a ''quorum'' is a majority of the members of the board or committee unless the bylaws, the rule of the parent [[organization]], or the motion establishing the particular committee provide otherwise. According to ''Robert's Rules'', "a board or committee does not have the [[power]] to determine its quorum unless the bylaws so provide."

[[Category: Law]]

[[Category: Law]]