Who has the authority to rule on a point of order during a meeting?

In a meeting, the authority to rule on a point of order is vested in the chair. The chair, often referred to as the presiding officer, is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that the meeting proceeds according to the established rules and procedures. When a member raises a point of order, they are addressing a perceived violation of the rules, and it is the duty of the chair to evaluate that point and make a determination on it.

The chair's ruling is based on their understanding of the rules governing the meeting and parliamentary procedure. This authority allows them to make real-time decisions that can influence the flow of the meeting, address disruptions, and uphold parliamentary law. This clear delegation of responsibilities ensures that the meeting operates smoothly, and the chair's rulings are particularly important in keeping discussions on track and in accordance with the agenda. Other roles, such as the parliamentarian, the secretary, and the vice president, support the chair but do not hold the same authority to make decisions on points of order during the meeting.