Legal Definitions - quasi committee of the whole

Definition: A special committee that comprises all the members of a deliberative assembly who are present, over which the regular chair of the assembly presides.

Example: A city council meeting may resolve itself into a quasi committee of the whole to discuss a complex issue, such as a proposed zoning change. During this time, the regular chair of the council will preside over the meeting, but the committee will have greater procedural flexibility than the full council.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a quasi committee of the whole functions in a deliberative assembly. By allowing all members to participate in the discussion, the committee can take advantage of the expertise and perspectives of a larger group. The regular chair of the assembly presides to maintain order and ensure that the committee follows the assembly's rules and procedures.