Speaker for the Senate

Overview

The Civil Service appoint one or more of their number to the Speaker's Seat. This position is designed to ensure the smooth operation of the Senate and has powers of censure to support that.

Responsibilities

The Speaker for the Senate helps to ensure that Senate sittings take place in a timely and effective fashion. They are also responsible for ensuring that every senator understand the motion being voted on.

Powers

Serving the Senate

The Speaker for the Senate has the right to speak in the Senate and the right of address, allowing them to make an address to the Senate once per weekend. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the Senators consideration.

Powers of Censure

The Speaker for the Senate has the power to sanction anyone in the Senate during a sitting. This power is used to censure rowdy or disruptive senators, but extends equally to the Conscience, Master of the Imperial Mint, the viewing gallery, a priest attempting to use the right of Witness to act in an inappropriate manner and even, in theory The Throne.

The Speaker for the Senate can apply three sanctions, each of increasing magnitude:

Silence

The first sanction is Silence. The Speaker can silence a persistently rude or boorish senator for the duration of a single motion; they will not be allowed to speak on the floor or answer points made while silenced. They may still vote and once the vote has been cast, are free to speak once more.

Exclusion

Should this prove insufficient the second sanction is Exclusion - the offending senator is obliged to leave the Senate chamber until the end of the current motion. This denies them the right to vote on it so is a serious matter. They may re-enter the chamber following the vote.

Expulsion

The third and final sanction is Expulsion - the senator is expelled from the Senate chamber for the entire sitting. They lose their chance to vote on all issues. This is an extreme sanction and historically is used only in response to grave misdemeanours such as threats of violence in the chamber.

Appointment of the Speaker

The Civil Service selects the Speaker for the Senate. It is common practice to have two civil servants "raised to the Speaker's Chair" at a time.

Removal of the Speaker

The Speaker for the Senate can be revoked by the General Assembly or the Council of Nine of the Imperial Synod.

The Speaker in Play

The Speaker is an NPC whose role it is to keep Senate sessions fun and engaging for the participants.