Legal Definitions - gavel through

Definition: Gavel through is a parliamentary law term that means to put a question to a vote before any member can obtain the floor. It is an improper practice under parliamentary law.

For example, if a member of a parliament is trying to speak on a motion, but the chairperson quickly puts the motion to a vote before the member can speak, it is called gaveling through the motion. This is not allowed under legitimate parliamentary procedure.

The right of members to debate or introduce secondary motions cannot be cut off by the chair's attempting to put a question to vote so quickly that no member can get the floor. Debate is not closed by the presiding officer's rising to put the question.

Overall, gavel through is an improper practice that goes against the principles of parliamentary law and the rights of members to debate and introduce motions.