Standing Orders - the rules about how Parliament operates
The Standing Orders of Parliament
are the rules that govern the procedures that must be followed in
the House. The Standing Orders are adopted by Parliament, but they
do not have the force of law as they do not constitute an Act
of Parliament or regulations. Article 38 of the
Constitution provides that Parliament may make, amend or repeal
rules and orders with respect to the mode in which its powers,
privileges and immunities may be exercised and upheld, and the
conduct of its business and proceedings.
The procedural matters covered
under the Standing Orders include:
- First Meeting of Parliament
- Officers of Parliament
- Standing Committees and Select Committees
- Roll, Places of Members, Leave of Absence, Minutes of
Proceedings and Records
- Sittings of the House and Quorum
- Adjournment of the House
- Maintenance of Order
- Rules of Debate
- Point of Order and Speaker's Ruling
- Privilege
- Routine and Order of Business
- Censure or Want of Confidence Motion
- Notices, Petitions, Motions, Questions, Votes and
Resolutions
- Division and Balloting
- Bills
- Financial Procedures
- Papers and Documents