Legal Definitions - prolocutor

A prolocutor is an individual appointed to preside over or act as the official spokesperson for a formal assembly or convocation. This role is most commonly found in ecclesiastical (church-related) contexts, where the prolocutor chairs meetings and guides discussions, or historically, in certain legislative bodies where they represented the assembly's views.

• Example 1 (Ecclesiastical Context): During the annual General Synod of a national church denomination, Bishop Eleanor Vance was elected as the prolocutor. Her responsibilities included chairing the main sessions, ensuring all delegates had an opportunity to speak on proposed amendments to church doctrine, and facilitating the voting process on new policies affecting the entire denomination.

  Explanation: This illustrates a prolocutor as the presiding officer of a formal church assembly, guiding its proceedings and ensuring orderly discussion and decision-making.

• Example 2 (Historical Legislative Context): In a historical account of medieval English governance, a special council of barons and clergy was convened by the monarch to address a national crisis. A designated prolocutor was tasked with leading the council's debates and then formally presenting their collective advice and grievances to the King.

  Explanation: Here, the prolocutor functions as a historical presiding officer and spokesperson for a significant deliberative body, representing its collective voice to a higher authority.

• Example 3 (Modern Formal Assembly - Representative Role): At a major international conference focused on developing a unified strategy for global health initiatives, Dr. Anya Sharma was appointed as the prolocutor for the final plenary session. Her role involved synthesizing the diverse viewpoints and recommendations from various working groups throughout the week and then presenting a consolidated, official statement on behalf of all participants to the attending governmental and non-governmental organizations.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the prolocutor acts as a facilitator and spokesperson for a large, formal gathering, distilling complex discussions into a coherent and representative message for external stakeholders.