I need to find where it states that the Bylaws of an Org is a higher authority than Roberts Rules

[msdpolich]

I have the second edition (I know! Its horrible but I just became a parlimentarian and this is what was passed down to me) of roberts rules and Im trying to find out exactly where it explains how an organizations bylaws are a higher authority than roberts rules. That roberts rules are more of a guideline, but that bylaws have the final say.

Someone has been so helpful to site this in the 10th edition, but I cannot find it in the second edition.

Can anyone help?

Thanks so much. This forum is great.

[J. J.]

I have the second edition (I know! Its horrible but I just became a parlimentarian and this is what was passed down to me) of roberts rules and Im trying to find out exactly where it explains how an organizations bylaws are a higher authority than roberts rules. That roberts rules are more of a guideline, but that bylaws have the final say.

Someone has been so helpful to site this in the 10th edition, but I cannot find it in the second edition.

Can anyone help?

Thanks so much. This forum is great.

The second edition was published in 1876. I don't think any of us are that old.

[msdpolich]

The second edition was published in 1876. I don't any of us are that old.

Im so embarrassed. but this is what this organization passed down to me.

This is what Im doing:

Websters New World Roberts Rules of Order Simplified and Applied Second Edition copyright 2001

[George Mervosh]

Here's some help:

The official publication date for the new editions of RONR as well as RONR In Brief is September 27, 2011. Pre-orders can be submitted via the links below, and copies are also scheduled to be available at the National Association of Parliamentarians convention in Florida, September 23-26.

11th ed. paperback:

http://www.amazon.co...d/dp/030682020X

http://search.barnes...e/9780306820205

11th ed. hardcover:

http://www.amazon.co...d/dp/0306820218

http://search.barnes...e/9780306820212

deluxe 11th ed. leatherbound:

http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/0306820226

http://search.barnes...e/9780306820229

In Brief, 2nd ed.:

http://www.amazon.co...d/dp/0306820196

http://search.barnes...e/9780306820199

Start clicking

[David A Foulkes]

"When a society or an assembly has adopted a particular parliamentary manual - such as this book - as its authority, the rules contained in that manual are binding upon it in all cases where they are not inconsistent with the bylaws (or constitution) or any special rules of order of the body, or any provisions of local, state or national law applying to the particular type of organization." (RONR 10th Ed., p. 16 ll. 8-14)

Which is to say RONR yields to constitution, bylaws, special rules of order, or law at any level. Now, this comes from the current (10th) edition of RONR. The question I guess I have for you is what do your bylaws say is the parliamentary authority? Is it Robert's Rules, or is it Websters? Regardless of which book you have been handed, if the society has adopted RONR in the bylaws (in some language that avoids a specific version or edition), then the 10th Edition is what you should be referring to for your answers.

And note: the above quote states that the adopted manual is binding, not a "guideline."

[msdpolich]

Here's some help:

Start clicking

Thanks so much! I have a copy of the new 11th edition on hold at Barnes n Noble; they are supposed to get it on the 27th. But for now, I need some kind of proof that the bylaws are final say over roberts rules. Does that make sense?

Thanks again for your help.

[George Mervosh]

Thanks so much! I have a copy of the new 11th edition on hold at Barnes n Noble; they are supposed to get it on the 27th. But for now, I need some kind of proof that the bylaws are final say over roberts rules. Does that make sense?

Thanks again for your help.

"When a society or an assembly has adopted a particular parliamentary manual-such as this book - as its authority, the rules contained in that manual are binding upon it in all cases where they are not inconsistent with the bylaws (or constitution) or any special rules of order of the body, or any provisions of local, state, or national law applying to the particular type of organization. " RONR, p. 16 (10th ed)

[msdpolich]

our bylaws state:

'The current edition of roberts rules of order shall govern this senate in all parlimentary procedures in which they are applicable and in which they are consistant with the universitys policies and procedures'

but our bylaws still trump roberts rules, right?

sorry for all the questions. This is so embarrassing. Especially since the edition that was passed on to me was definately NOT the current edition...

[Dan Honemann]

our bylaws state:

'The current edition of roberts rules of order shall govern this senate in all parlimentary procedures in which they are applicable and in which they are consistant with the universitys policies and procedures'

but our bylaws still trump roberts rules, right?

sorry for all the questions. This is so embarrassing. Especially since the edition that was passed on to me was definately NOT the current edition...

Yes, your bylaws trump RONR whenever there is a conflict.

[Josh Martin]

Especially since the edition that was passed on to me was definately NOT the current edition...

Well, it actually is the current edition of Webster's, but Webster's is not an official edition of RONR - it's a third-party knockoff (and not a very good one, based on the excerpts I've seen on this forum). I recommend disposing of it. Possibly in a fire.