Lex Parliamentaria

The Lex Parliamentaria was an early manual of parliamentary law, first published in 1689. It outlined precedents and practices for members of the British Parliament to follow during proceedings. This manual included rules such as discussing only one subject at a time, the necessity of calling for a negative vote, and avoiding personal attacks in debates. These rules, originating in the British Parliament, influenced the development of parliamentary procedure in other countries, including the United States. Parliamentary law, in general, refers to the rules and precedents that govern deliberative assemblies to ensure decorum, ascertain the majority will, protect minority rights, and facilitate orderly business.1