Custom

[David A Foulkes]

On p. 19, ll. 7-9 (RONR 11) with regard to custom in the absence of a written rule or contrary provision in the parliamentary authority, it reads "the established custom should be adhered to unless the assembly, by a majority vote, agrees in a particular instance to do otherwise."

Does this mean the custom remains in force after this "particular instance" is disposed of? Or does this begin a "new" custom of the procedure agreed to by the assembly?

[Rev Ed]

The term "particular instance" would mean that the custom would only be suspended the one time. It would be better for the assembly to simply pass a motion to formally change the custom if that is what it wants to do.

[J. J.]

On p. 19, ll. 7-9 (RONR 11) with regard to custom in the absence of a written rule or contrary provision in the parliamentary authority, it reads "the established custom should be adhered to unless the assembly, by a majority vote, agrees in a particular instance to do otherwise."

Does this mean the custom remains in force after this "particular instance" is disposed of? Or does this begin a "new" custom of the procedure agreed to by the assembly?

I think that this would up to the assembly.

The phrasing of the motion would be important. A motion could be, "That we no longer follow custom X." It could be, "That, in this case, we deviate from custom X."