ChoMUN XIII

Committee Rules

I cel a n d Ic a lt hIng

CHAIR:

Race Wright - rwright@uchicago.edu

CRISIS DIRECTOR:

Sean Maher - smaher@uchicago.edu

UNDERSECRETARY GENERAL:

Michael Powell - carillon@uchicago.edu

2009-2010 University of chicago Model United nations team

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Committee Rules
The Committee:
1. First, that membership shall be extended to all free men of Iceland, and to those that the Lgsgumaur deems appropriate, but that voting membership shall be limited to the 39 Goar, or chieftains, and 9 elected Thing-men. a. All freemen of Iceland shall be considered Thing-men. b. The Thing-men shall elect 9 Thing-men each year to vote as their representatives. c. All men living under the protection of law shall have the right to address the Thing. 2. That the Thing shall be presided over by the Lgsgumaur, or Lawspeaker. a. The Lgsgumaur shall facilitate debate and shall advise the Thing on the words of the law. 3. That the Thing shall first meet on the first day of the last week of June and be in session until the last week of August, and continue thus annually. member feel uncomfortable or that the debate has transgressed that boundary he or she should notify the Lgsgumaur who will take immediate steps to address the issue.

Rules of Procedure:
9. Unless stated otherwise, the Thing shall use standard Parliamentary Procedure. 10. The Lgsgumaur shall have ultimate authority over the rules of procedure. 11. All votes shall be cast orally on a majority basis, the Lgsgumaur shall use his discretion to determine majority. a. At the discretion of the Lgsgumaur a revote can be taking using placards. b. The Thing cannot request a revote with, but can appeal the decision of the Lgsgumaur on a two-thirds majority placard count. 12. The Lgsgumaur will entertain the following points or motions in the order which the Lgsgumaur deems most conducive to debate. a. Motion to Close the Thing. If fewer than 5 minutes remain until the end of the Things allotted time for a given session, the Lgsgumaur may entertain a motion to close the session. The Thing will remain closed until reconvened by the Lgsgumaur. b. Point of Personal Privilege. The Lgsgumaur will only entertain points of personal privilege that are submitted in writing, with the exception of points which pertain immediately to the speech being given (eg. The speaker is speaking too softly for the full Thing to hear.) c. Point of Order. If a member thinks that the rules of procedure have been violated, the Lgsgumaur will entertain his point of order. d. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry. If a member wishes information about a point of parliamentary procedure, the Lgsgumaur will entertain the motion.

General Conduct:
4. That all members and guests of the Thing are expected to conduct themselves with the honour and dignity demanded of a freeman of Iceland and to accord each other such general respect as is fitting of proud descent. 5. That all members shall attire themselves appropriately in Western Business Attire, but that raiding helmets shall not be discouraged. 6. That members shall gather around the Lgberg unarmed and with peace of mind. 7. That no member shall address the Thing without first having made his presence known to the Lgsgumaur, either by regular roll call at the commencement of the Thing or by written message. 8. That though the Icelanders of old held views that by modern standards may be interpreted as being racist, sexist, elitist, or homophobic, and though delegates are expected to simulate with a degree of realism, all members should take care not to transgress the boundary between realism of simulation and indecency, personal offense unacceptable bigotry. Should any
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Actions available to the Thing:

13. Passing laws. The Thing is able to pass laws effecting the entirety of the Commonwealth. 14. Decide legal cases. The Thing can constitute courts to adjudicate between disputes between members. The Lgsgumaur shall establish a format and rules that are equitable and expedient to the situation and course of debate. These courts can choose to fine or outlaw an individual if found guilty. 15. Create alternative structures. The Thing, generally, had little ability beyond making laws and settling disputes. Nonetheless, the Thing is free to create new structures as necessary through the passage of new laws.

Actions available to the members of the Thing.

16. Delegates have full control over their household and servants. 17. Delegates may draw upon or trade the resources that are available. 18. Delegates shall be able to contact friends and acquaintances; these friends and acquaintances will be able to give news and advice, and be able to undertake minor actions on behalf of the delegate.