quorum

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A quorum is the minimum number of members of a group or committee required to be in attendance in order for that group to be able to take official action. The members must be present to count towards the quorum. If the quorum is not met, the group cannot legally take any action besides declaring the quorum was not met and seeking a quorum in the future. 

Quorums are usually a specific number of members or a percentage of members detailed in a group’s bylaws or charter. If no quorum is specified, then a majority of the members present is usually sufficient. Groups that often have quorum requirements include legislative bodies, boards of directors, and corporate shareholder meetings. 

See, e.g. New Process Steel, L.P. v. N.L.R.B., 130 S.Ct. 2635 (2010)

See also: shareholders' meeting, board of directors

[Last updated in August of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]