How does parliamentary debate work

Different ways of standing up and interrupting the other side's speech in order to ask a question or make a point. Parliamentary debate is an off-topic, extemporaneous form of competitive debate which stresses rigorous argumentation, logical analysis, quick thinking, breadth of knowledge, and rhetorical ability over preparation of evidence.

It is patterned after the style of platform debate first made famous at Oxford University. The format pits two two-person teams against each other in a contest of argument, wit and rhetoric which roughly simulates debate in a House of Parliament. Parliamentary debate on APDA focuses on skills which are not greatly emphasized by other forms of intercollegiate debate.

Rather than concentrating on extensive preparation of evidence, APDA encourages a breadth, as well as a depth, of knowledge -- as students can be forced to debate almost any topic at short notice, they must have a working knowledge of all manner of political, economic, social and philosophical issues.

As you know …… Let me now turn to… As far as … is concerned… If you take into account that ……. Introduction: Have you considered…? I was wondering if you could tell us…? I wonder if I could comment on that last point. I would say, however, that… Absolutely! Can we come back to that point later? Gesamtes Dokument herunterladen [. Global Studies. Sie sind hier: Global Studies Debating Guide to parliamentary debate.

Guide to parliamentary debate Introducing debating A debate, is not a discussion but a blood-sport. Formality: Arguments should be forceful, but not aggressive or rude towards the other side.

Notes: Speeches are delivered, not read out! Use palm cards. Speakers can hold a series of cards, but must maintain eye-contact with the audience. After the adjudicator has finished the chairperson closes the debate, saying Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attendance and congratulations to both teams for the debate. Timekeeping A timekeeper will signify time elapsed through the use of a bell or knocking on the table. What to say! Simultaneous interpretation is always available in English and French.

Members may also request to have simultaneous interpretation into English and French of their interventions in an indigenous language in both the Chamber and committees. In most cases, the maximum length of a speech is either 20 minutes or 10 minutes, plus an additional 10 or 5 minutes for questions and comments, although there are instances where members may speak for an unlimited amount of time. Debates normally continue until no member wishes to speak. Some Standing Orders or special orders provide for deadlines within which the Speaker can put the question, such as motions subjected to time allocation or closure.

When referring to other members in the House, a member must refer to other members by their constituency name, or by their title or portfolio they hold such as a minister, parliamentary secretary, House leaders and party whips.

Members must also refrain from mentioning the presence or absence of a member in the Chamber. Should such remarks be made, the offending member will be requested to withdraw the comments. Disrespectful reflections on Parliament or on the House and the Senate as component parts of Parliament are not permitted.

It is unacceptable to question the integrity and impartiality of a Presiding Officer, and if such comments are made, the Speaker will interrupt the member and may request that the remarks be withdrawn.

Members are prohibited from speaking disrespectfully of the Sovereign, the Royal Family or the Governor General. Additionally, all attacks and censures of judges and courts by members in debate have always been considered unparliamentary.

The Speaker has the authority to call a member to order if they persist in repeating an argument already made during debate or in addressing a subject that is not relevant to the question before the House.

The sub judice convention prevents members from referring to matters during debate that await judicial decisions. Such matters are also barred from being the subject of motions or questions in the House. The convention, however, does not apply to legislation.

No rule exists in the Standing Orders to prevent the House from discussing a matter that is sub judice ; the Speaker considers precedents and interprets the convention. This convention is in place to protect any party in a court case or judicial inquiry from any prejudicial effect of a debate in the House on their case.

In such instances, the Speaker may:. This disciplinary action is a coercive measure of last resort. A point of order is raised when a member believes that the rules or practices of the House have been incorrectly applied or overlooked during the proceedings. A member may not engage in debate under the guise of a point of order.

A point of order may be raised at most times in the proceedings, provided it is raised and presented concisely as soon as possible after the irregularity occurs. Notable exceptions include:. It is the responsibility of the Speaker to determine the merits of a point of order and to resolve the issue.

The Chair may call the attention of the House to an irregularity in debate or procedure, without waiting for the intervention of a member. When a point of order is raised, the Speaker may rule on the matter immediately, or may take the matter under advisement and come back to the House later with a formal ruling.

The Speaker may also seek guidance from members on the point of order before coming to a decision. Parliamentary Business Parliamentary Business - Home. The House. Procedural Reference Material Library of Parliament. Parliamentary Diplomacy. Members - Home. Members and Roles. Related Information. Participate - Home. About the House - Home. Transparency and accountability.

Arts and Heritage. In pictures. Employment - Home. Career opportunities. Youth Opportunities. Working at the House. Search Search. Our Procedure. Our Procedure Debate, Voting and Decorum.

Debate, Voting and Decorum Introduction The debate in the House of Commons must always be relevant to a definite motion. Giving notice Moving the motion Proposing the motion Debating the motion Giving a speech Speech length Asking questions Amending the motion Decision on the motion. Giving notice. In most cases, members must signal their intent to move a motion by submitting a notice of motion, which is printed in the Notice Paper.

Moving the motion.