Legal Definitions - closure

The term closure, in a legal or parliamentary context, refers to a procedural motion used to end debate and bring a matter to an immediate vote. It is synonymous with cloture.

Essentially, when a legislative body or other deliberative assembly is engaged in prolonged discussion or debate on a bill, motion, or resolution, and that debate is preventing a decision from being made, a member can propose a motion for closure. If this motion passes, usually requiring a supermajority vote (more than a simple majority), it cuts off further debate and forces the assembly to proceed to a final vote on the underlying issue. This mechanism is crucial for preventing filibusters or other delaying tactics that can obstruct the legislative process.

• Example 1: National Legislature

  Imagine a country's Senate is debating a highly controversial climate change bill. A minority group of senators, strongly opposed to the bill, begins a filibuster, using lengthy speeches and procedural maneuvers to prevent a final vote. They hope to run out the clock or force concessions. To overcome this obstruction and allow the legislative process to move forward, the majority party might introduce a motion for closure. If this motion receives the necessary number of votes (often three-fifths of the senators present and voting), the debate is immediately terminated, and the Senate must proceed to a vote on the climate change bill itself.

• Example 2: State Assembly

  Consider a state assembly that has been discussing a new bill to reform local property taxes for several days. Opponents of the bill are continuously proposing numerous amendments, demanding roll call votes on minor procedural points, and delivering extended remarks, effectively stalling the bill's progress. Recognizing that the debate has become unproductive and is preventing a decision, a leading member of the assembly could move for closure. If this motion passes with the required supermajority, all further debate on the property tax bill and its amendments would cease, and the assembly would be compelled to take a final vote on the legislation.