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Quorum

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States

used substantively, signifies the number of persons belonging to a legislative assembly, a corporation, society, or other body, required to transact business; there is a difference between an act done by a definite number of persons, and one performed by an indefinite number: in the first case a majority is required to constitute a quorum, unless the law expressly directs that another number may make one; m the latter case any number who may be present may act, the majority of those present having, as in other cases, the right to act.

7 Cowen, 402; 9 B.& C. 648; Ang. on Corp. 281.

Sometimes the law requires a greater number than a bare majority to form a quorum, in such case no quorum is present until such a number convene. Whenan authority is confided to several persons for a private purpose, all must join in the act, unless otherwise authorised.

6 John. R. 38.