Navigating the Statutes

The OathsI will support the Constitution, and obey the Statutes, rules and regulations of this Order, and the By-Laws of ________ Lodge, No. _____ ...

— From the Obligation sworn by Members (Initiation Ritual)

... I solemnly promise and swear to conform with and maintain the Constitution, Statutes, Rules and Regulations of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the By-Laws of ________ Lodge No. _____ ...

— From the Oath of Office (Installation Ritual)

Laws of the Order

• ConstitutionUnderlying and guiding principles of the Order

• StatutesLaws enacted by Grand Lodge duly assembled

• RitualThe procedures of the Order, unifying actions

Rules of the Lodge

• By-LawsStatutes applied locally; various local options

• House RulesCode of Conduct, general rules for all members

• PoliciesHow business is conducted

Opinions & Decisions

• Opinions– Interpretations of Statute (“The Constitution, Statutes and the Ritual are the

Supreme Law of the Order. The Decisions and Opinions are interpretations of that law.” – Opinion 01, Article I, Section 1, Constitution)

– Issued by Committee on Judiciary, legal advisors to GER/GL• Selected from among hundreds each year

– Selected for publication by Advisory Committee (PGERs) – relevancy, broad applicability

– Not “just an opinion”

• Decisions– Grand Forum cases– Multiple reviewers prior to issuance

What You Need• Printed “Statutes Annotated” and PDF

– Updated & published yearly– Download from www.Elks.org

• Annual GL Resolutions– Published and mailed prior to GL Session– Download from www.Elks.org (before & after)

• Lodge By-Laws & House Rules– Review & republish every five (5) years– Subject to Judiciary review and approval

• Published Lodge Policies

Elks.org Downloads

Questions to Ponder

• What constitutes a Quorum?• What is the longest Club suspension allowed?• A budgeted item needs no further approval

for expenditure. True or false?• What are YOUR Lodge dues?