A
question of privilege, or
point of privilege, is the most serious one that can arise in a
parliamentary system, such as governs
Canada, or
England; it even takes
precedence over a
question of order, or
point of order Even though the American
Congressional system developed from the
mother of parliaments in
London, it may be different.
Privilege, although books have been written on the subject, is basically to do with the ability of the elected member to do his or her work: Parliamentary staff must recognize the member, especially in the casting of votes; the members must be safe in the parliamentary precincts; etc.
The imagination of members to expand what is included in the notion of parliamentary priviledge is only matched by the ingenuity of the Speaker of the House in shrinking it.