CP CP Disciplinary & Special Proceedings 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under RONR, what is the first step when a member's conduct is disruptive during a meeting?
- Immediately put the member on trial
- The chair calls the member to order (Correct answer)
- A motion to expel is made from the floor
- The sergeant-at-arms removes the member
Correct answer: The chair calls the member to order
The chair's first response to disruptive conduct is to call the offending member to order, giving them an opportunity to comply.
Question 2: A member accused of an offense that could result in expulsion is entitled to:
- An immediate vote of the full membership
- A formal trial with notice of charges and an opportunity to be heard (Correct answer)
- Automatic suspension pending board review
- Removal by executive committee vote without hearing
Correct answer: A formal trial with notice of charges and an opportunity to be heard
Due process requires that a member facing expulsion receive written notice of charges and a fair opportunity to defend themselves before a vote.
Question 3: Which body typically conducts a formal disciplinary trial under RONR?
- The full assembly in open session
- A special investigating or trial committee (Correct answer)
- The executive committee behind closed doors
- The parliamentarian acting as adjudicator
Correct answer: A special investigating or trial committee
RONR recommends a special trial committee to conduct formal disciplinary proceedings, ensuring impartiality and due process.
Question 4: Which sanction does NOT require a formal trial under RONR?
- Expulsion from membership
- Suspension of membership rights for more than six months
- Censure (Correct answer)
- Removal from office
Correct answer: Censure
Censure—a formal expression of disapproval—does not deprive a member of rights and therefore does not require a formal trial.
Question 5: An 'executive session' restricts:
- Only media from attending
- Non-members and those without a need to know from participation (Correct answer)
- Board members from voting on personnel matters
- The parliamentarian from advising on procedure
Correct answer: Non-members and those without a need to know from participation
In executive session, attendance is limited to members and those the assembly expressly invites; all present are bound by confidentiality.
Question 6: A member found guilty after a disciplinary trial may be subjected to which of the following penalties?
- Only a verbal reprimand
- Censure, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the offense and bylaws (Correct answer)
- Automatic forfeiture of all membership fees paid
- A fine determined by the chair
Correct answer: Censure, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the offense and bylaws
Depending on the severity of the offense and what the bylaws authorize, penalties can range from censure to suspension to expulsion.
CP CP Disciplinary & Special Proceedings 1
Under RONR, what is the first step when a member's conduct is disruptive during a meeting?