Legal Definitions - lay on the table

The phrase "lay on the table" has two distinct meanings depending on the context, primarily differing between parliamentary procedure in the United States and general usage in British English.

• Meaning 1: To Postpone Consideration (Primarily US Parliamentary Law)

  In parliamentary procedure, especially in the United States, to "lay on the table" means to temporarily postpone or set aside a motion, proposal, or item of business without immediately rejecting it. This action allows the deliberative body to address other urgent matters or gather more information, with the understanding that the tabled item can be brought back for consideration later.

  • Example 1: Corporate Board Meeting

    During a quarterly meeting, a company's board of directors is discussing a motion to invest in a new, unproven technology. A board member raises concerns about the potential financial risks and suggests that more market research is needed. To avoid delaying the entire meeting while still acknowledging the need for further investigation, the board votes to lay the motion on the table. This means they will temporarily halt discussion on the technology investment and move on to other agenda items, with the intention of revisiting the proposal once the additional market research has been completed.

    This example illustrates the US meaning because the board postpones the decision on the investment, allowing them to gather more information without outright rejecting the idea or holding up the rest of the meeting.

  • Example 2: University Faculty Senate

    A university's faculty senate is debating a proposal to revise the general education curriculum. As the discussion progresses, it becomes clear that several key departments have not yet provided their feedback on the proposed changes. Rather than forcing a premature vote, the senate decides to lay the curriculum revision proposal on the table. This action allows the senate to move on to other business, giving the outstanding departments time to submit their input, after which the proposal can be brought back for a more informed discussion and vote.

    Here, the faculty senate uses "lay on the table" to temporarily pause consideration of the curriculum changes, demonstrating the postponement aspect to gather necessary input before making a final decision.

• Meaning 2: To Schedule for Consideration (Primarily British English)

  In British English, particularly in a parliamentary or formal context, to "lay on the table" means the opposite of the US meaning. It signifies formally presenting a document, report, or proposal for official consideration, discussion, and potential action by a legislative body or committee. It makes the item available for review and scheduling for future debate.

  • Example 1: UK Parliament

    After months of inquiry, a special parliamentary committee in the United Kingdom completes its comprehensive report on the impact of climate change on coastal communities. To initiate formal debate and scrutiny of the report's findings and recommendations by the full House of Commons, the committee chair will lay the report on the table of Parliament. This action formally introduces the document to the legislative body, making it an official record available for members to review and schedule for future debate and potential legislative action.

    This example demonstrates the British English meaning, as the act of "laying the report on the table" formally presents it for active consideration and discussion by Parliament, rather than postponing it.