Legal Definitions - roll call

A roll call is a formal procedure in which the names of individuals on an official list are systematically called out. This process is typically used to confirm attendance, record votes, or verify the presence of specific participants in a meeting, hearing, or legislative session. Its primary purpose is to create an official record of who is present or how each person voted on a particular issue, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Example 1: Legislative Voting

  Imagine a city council meeting where members are voting on a new ordinance to regulate short-term rentals. To ensure a clear and public record of each council member's stance, the council president might call for a roll call vote. The clerk would then read each council member's name aloud, and as their name is called, they would state "yes," "no," or "abstain." This method ensures that citizens can easily see how their elected representatives voted on the issue.

• Example 2: Jury Selection

  During the process of selecting a jury for a civil trial, a large group of potential jurors is often summoned to the courtroom. Before questioning begins, the court clerk might conduct a roll call. The clerk reads the names from the official list of summoned jurors, and each person responds "present" when their name is called. This confirms that all expected individuals are in attendance and ready to proceed with the *voir dire* (jury selection) process.

• Example 3: Board Meeting Attendance

  Consider a monthly meeting of a non-profit organization's board of directors. To formally establish that a quorum (the minimum number of members required to conduct official business) is present, the board secretary often begins the meeting with a roll call. As the secretary calls each director's name, they acknowledge their presence, creating an official record of who attended the meeting and confirming that any decisions made are legally valid.