Who can raise PO for continuing breach?

[paulmcclintock]

A page-244 continuing breach took place before Pat became a member. Can Pat raise a point of order now for this breach?

[Chris Harrison]

Yes. Members can make Point of Orders. I have no idea why she would do so, but maybe she knows something the others don't. Or she wants to make a big splash.

[Trina]

I'll say yes, although I have the feeling I'm falling for a trick question. Pat is a member, and has all the rights and obligations of membership. Pointing out a continuing breach seems like a responsibility of membership.

Conversely, Pat's neighbor George, who used to be a member of the same organization back when the violation took place, is also deeply offended by the continuing breach. Nobody here will argue that George (now a non-member) can raise a point of order, will they?

[hmtcastle]

A page-244 continuing breach took place before Pat became a member. Can Pat raise a point of order now for this breach?

Like Trina, I can't help but be suspicious when someone such as Mr. McClintock asks a question with a seemingly obvious answer.

[paulmcclintock]

I'll say yes, although I have the feeling I'm falling for a trick question.

Not intended as a trick question. I view this the same way, but don't see it explicitly handled in RONR, so wanted to ensure I wasn't missing something. Thanks.

[hmtcastle]

but don't see it explicitly handled in RONR

There are an infinite number of things that are not explicitly handled in RONR. In those instances it's best to look for a rule that says you can't instead of a rule that says you can.

[Chris Harrison]

There are an infinite number of things that are not explicitly handled in RONR. In those instances it's best to look for a rule that says you can't instead of a rule that says you can.

When a member thinks that the rules of the assembly are being violated, he can make a Point of Order (or "raise a question of order," as it is sometimes expressed), thereby calling upon the chair for a ruling and an enforcement of the regular rules.

RONR p. 240

I think that is probably as on point as you are going to find.

[J. J.]

I frankly don't see any distinction if the member was present when the breach occurred, if the member was a member if the breach occurred, or if the was a member, left, and rejoined. If the person is a member at the time he raises the point of order, and the breach has not healed, the member may raise a point of order.

[Rob Elsman]

While the breach of the assembly's rule continues, any member can raise a Point of Order about the violation for a ruling and enforcement. See RONR (10th ed.), p. 240, ll. 3-7.