Parliamentary procedure, or parliamentary law, is the code of rules and ethics for working together in groups. Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law and Procedure states that parliamentary law refers to the rules, laws, or regulations of organizations, governing the orderly, expeditious and efficient transaction of business and meetings and conventions. Without rules, there would be injustice and confusion. Hence, it is as necessary to follow the rules of parliamentary law as it is to follow the rules of a ball game or a card game. Demeter's , p. 4.
Parliamentary procedure is the means by which organizations make decisions.
Stated another way, parliamentary procedure is all of the laws and rules of organizations that govern the transaction of business. There are other excellent manuals of parliamentary procedure available. However, the fact that RONR 1990 is the most widely used book as well as the easiest to locate argues in its favor as a parliamentary authority. RONR 1990 is an excellent resource for board leaders. The book includes sections on presiding, the duties of officers, running elections, making proper motions, and holding board and committee meetings.