Point of order

A point of order ( Switzerland: point of order, English point of order ) relating to the conduct of a meeting. Its specific design is governed by the Rules of Procedure of the respective meeting. He shall take priority to all substantive issues. Above all procedural motions ( eg regarding the voting procedures or liquidation of the agenda ) can significantly influence the decision-making and therefore the decision of the substantive issue, for example, when also the substantive issue is influenced by changing the process path.

Points of order are usually displayed by lifting both arms, the chairman of the meeting.

The chairman then the applicant must ( at least after the current speech ) show immediately the floor so that he can justify his request. Following is commonly asked if a counter-speech ( vote against the motion - with or without cause ) is desired. It is usually only allowed a rebuttal. If there is no contradiction, the application is adopted without a vote. Otherwise, decide, unless the statute provides otherwise, a simple majority of the Assembly. In a tie, the motion is rejected.

Some statutes provide that during a vote, no requests to speak, and no point of order is permitted. The correction of an erroneous vote can take place only after the successful vote.

In many bodies it is common that speakers who have even spoken to the point, may not make an application to close the debate or closure of the list of speakers.