Speaker Denison's rule
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Speaker Denison's rule is a constitutional convention established by 19th century Speaker of the British House of Commons, John Evelyn Denison, as to how the Speaker decides on his casting vote in the event of a tie.
The principle is to always vote in favour of further debate, or, where no further debate is possible, to vote in favour of the status quo.[1][2] For example, the Speaker will vote:
- In favour of early readings of bills
- Against amendments to bills
- Against the final enactment of a bill
- Against motions of no confidence
Speaker Denison's rule is now a guiding principle in many other bodies which have neutral chairpersons.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Michael MacDonagh, The Speaker of the House (1914)
- ^ United Kingdom House of Commons Information Office, "Divisions"
- ^ Parliament of New South Wales, "Exercise of the Casting Vote of the Chair"
