The Code Morin

The most widely used rules of procedure for deliberative assemblies in Quebec.

What is the Code Morin?

"Code Morin" is the common name for Procédure des assemblées délibérantes, published in 1938 by Victor Morin, a Montreal notary. It sets out, in French, the rules for running an assembly: how to present a motion, debate it, amend it and put it to a vote, and how the chair conducts the meeting.

Associations, unions, boards of directors, student associations and many other organizations adopt it as their rules of procedure in their bylaws. When bylaws say that meetings follow "the Code Morin," this is the book they mean.

The Code Morin and Robert's Rules of Order

The Code Morin and Robert's Rules of Order, published by Henry M. Robert in the United States beginning in 1876, come from the same parliamentary tradition. They share the same principles: one question at a time, decision by the majority, protection of the rights of the minority and of absent members, and an impartial chair. The vocabulary differs, and so do some of the rules, so always check which of the two your bylaws name.

Basic terms