Legal Definitions - objection to consideration of a question

An objection to consideration of a question is a procedural challenge raised to prevent a specific topic, motion, or question from being discussed, debated, or voted upon during a meeting or proceeding. This objection is typically made when the subject matter is deemed inappropriate, irrelevant to the current agenda, or outside the scope of the body's authority or purpose at that particular time. It's not an objection to the way a question is asked, but rather to whether the question or topic itself should be considered at all.

• Example 1: Community Town Hall Meeting

  During a public town hall meeting specifically convened to discuss the upcoming municipal budget, a resident stands up and attempts to introduce a detailed complaint about their neighbor's overgrown hedge. Another resident or the meeting moderator might raise an objection to consideration of a question. This objection would argue that the neighbor dispute is a private matter, not relevant to the public budget discussion, and therefore should not be considered by the town hall meeting at that time.

• Example 2: Corporate Board Meeting

  A company's Board of Directors is holding a quarterly meeting with an agenda focused solely on reviewing financial performance and approving the next quarter's marketing strategy. One board member suddenly proposes a motion to change the company's entire corporate logo and branding identity. Another board member could raise an objection to consideration of a question. The basis for this objection would be that a major branding overhaul is not on the current agenda, requires significant prior research and discussion, and is inappropriate to introduce without notice during a meeting dedicated to financial and marketing strategy.

• Example 3: Professional Association Meeting

  A professional association for architects is holding its annual general meeting, where the agenda includes electing new officers and discussing continuing education requirements. A member attempts to introduce a resolution condemning a specific government policy unrelated to architecture or the association's mission. The chair or another member might raise an objection to consideration of a question. The argument would be that the proposed resolution falls outside the scope of the association's purpose and the meeting's agenda, and therefore should not be debated or voted upon by the body.