Manual of Parliamentary Practice

"Manual of Parliamentary Practice" by Luther Stearns Cushing is a guidebook on parliamentary procedure written in the mid-19th century. This manual provides a comprehensive overview of the rules, proceedings, and debates in deliberative assemblies, aimed particularly at non-legislative bodies while being applicable to legislative assemblies as well. The text is intended to serve as a practical resource for those involved in decision-making processes within various types of organizations. The opening portion of the manual establishes its purpose and foundational principles of parliamentary procedure. Cushing notes that the work is a condensed version of a more extensive treatise on parliamentary law and emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to ensure effective deliberations. He discusses the importance of proper organization within assemblies and outlines various preliminary matters, such as establishing a quorum, understanding the roles of officers, and recognizing the rights and duties of members. This section sets the stage for a more detailed examination of rules and motions that will be elaborated upon in subsequent chapters, reflecting the manual's structured approach to parliamentary practice.

Manual of Parliamentary Practice, by Luther Stearns Cushing. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #60757.