What does the term "point of order" refer to?

The term "point of order" refers to an incidental motion, which is invoked by a member of the assembly when they believe that the rules of the meeting or organization have been violated. This type of motion is not related to the main business or agenda but is a tool for maintaining proper procedure within the meeting. When someone raises a point of order, it prompts the chair or presiding officer to address the issue at hand, ensuring that the meeting adheres to established norms and regulations.

Incidental motions, such as a point of order, typically take precedence over the main motions and other types, allowing members to bring attention back to the rules. This is a critical aspect of parliamentary procedure, as it helps maintain order and facilitates effective discussion and decision-making.

In contrast, main motions, privileged motions, and subsidiary motions have different purposes and functions within the framework of parliamentary procedure, lacking the specific function of addressing procedural issues as a point of order does.