Introduction
Parliament is the Inn’s sovereign body and ultimate authority, responsible for the oversight of the Inn’s governance, legislation and elections. All Ordinary Benchers are members of the Inn’s Parliament. More specifically, its role is focused on:
- Discussion, debate and decisions around strategy and long-term issues affecting the future of the Inn and about major issues affecting the profession.
- Making, repealing or amending the Statutes and By Laws of the Inn.
- Approval of changes to the governance structure of the Inn.
- The election of Ordinary and Honorary Benchers; the Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer Elect; and the Readers.
- Approval of the Deputy Treasurer’s proposals for the appointment of Chairmen and members of Standing Committees, and the Under Treasurer.
- Approval of students proposed for Call to the Bar.
Parliament meets up to five times a year. The Treasurer presides over these meetings or, in his/her absence, the Deputy Treasurer.