Does Adjourning a Meeting Under Robert’s Rules Necessitate a Formal Motion-

Does Robert’s Rules Require a Motion to Adjourn?

Robert’s Rules of Order is a set of parliamentary procedures that govern the conduct of meetings and organizations. It is widely used in the United States and around the world to ensure that meetings are conducted in an orderly and efficient manner. One common question that arises during meetings is whether a motion to adjourn is required under Robert’s Rules. This article will explore this question and provide an overview of the rules regarding adjournments.

Under Robert’s Rules, a motion to adjourn is not always required. In fact, the rules state that a meeting may adjourn without a motion to adjourn if the time for the meeting has expired or if the members agree to adjourn. This means that if the meeting is scheduled for a specific duration and that time has elapsed, the meeting automatically adjourns without the need for a formal motion.

However, if the meeting is not scheduled for a specific duration, or if the members wish to adjourn before the scheduled time, a motion to adjourn is necessary. The motion to adjourn is a formal proposal that allows the members to decide whether to end the meeting. It is considered a main motion, which means it can be debated and amended before a vote is taken.

When a motion to adjourn is made, it is subject to the same rules as any other main motion. The motion must be seconded, and it can be debated for a specified period of time. During the debate, members can speak in favor of or against the motion, and they can propose amendments if they wish. Once the debate is concluded, the motion is put to a vote, and a majority of the members present and voting is required to pass the motion.

It is important to note that a motion to adjourn does not necessarily end the meeting immediately. Instead, it sets a date and time for the meeting to reconvene. If the members wish to adjourn the meeting indefinitely, they can pass a motion to adjourn sine die, which means the meeting will not reconvene until another motion is made to do so.

In conclusion, Robert’s Rules does not require a motion to adjourn in all cases. If the meeting is scheduled for a specific duration and that time has elapsed, or if the members agree to adjourn, the meeting will adjourn automatically. However, if the meeting is not scheduled for a specific duration or if the members wish to adjourn before the scheduled time, a motion to adjourn is necessary. This motion is subject to the same rules as any other main motion and requires a majority vote to pass.