Legal Definitions - call of the house

The term call of the house refers to a formal procedure initiated within a legislative body (such as a parliament, congress, or state assembly) to compel the attendance of its members. This procedure is typically invoked when a quorum (the minimum number of members required to conduct business) is necessary for a vote or to conduct official business, or when members are deliberately absenting themselves to obstruct proceedings. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the legislative body can fulfill its duties by having enough members present.

• Example 1: Ensuring a Quorum for a Critical Vote

  The national parliament is scheduled to vote on a crucial infrastructure bill that requires a majority of all members to be present for a valid vote. As the time for the vote approaches, it becomes clear that many members are absent, potentially jeopardizing the vote and delaying vital public works.

  To ensure the bill can be voted on, a member moves for a call of the house. If approved, the sergeant-at-arms or a similar official would be dispatched to locate and bring absent members to the chamber, ensuring the necessary quorum is met for the vote to proceed without undue delay.

• Example 2: Preventing Deliberate Obstruction of Legislation

  A highly contentious environmental protection bill is up for debate in a state legislature. A minority faction of lawmakers, strongly opposed to the bill, decides to boycott the session by not showing up, hoping to prevent the legislature from having enough members present to even begin debating the bill, let alone vote on it.

  Recognizing this tactic, the Speaker of the House, or another presiding officer, might initiate a call of the house. This action would legally compel the absent members to return to the legislative chamber, preventing them from using their absence as a means of obstruction and allowing the legislative process to continue as intended.

• Example 3: Confirming a High-Level Appointment

  A city council needs to confirm the mayor's appointment for a new police chief. The city charter specifies that such a confirmation requires the presence of at least two-thirds of the council members. On the day of the vote, several council members are delayed due to unexpected travel issues, making it impossible to meet the two-thirds requirement.

  To avoid postponing the critical appointment, a council member could request a call of the house. This would authorize the council's enforcement officers to contact and, if necessary, physically bring the delayed members to the council chambers, ensuring the required number of members are present to legally vote on the police chief's confirmation.