The spelling of "special session" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Special" is spelled /ˈspɛʃəl/ with the "sh" sound represented by the letter combination "sh" in English spelling. "Session" is spelled /ˈsɛʃən/ with the same "sh" sound at the beginning and an "s" sound at the end. Overall, the spelling of "special session" follows English spelling conventions for representing certain sounds with specific letter combinations.
A special session refers to a meeting or session convened outside the regular or ordinary legislative schedule by a legislative body, such as a parliament, congress, or state legislature. Unlike the routine sessions held as part of the regular legislative calendar, a special session is called to handle specific urgent matters that require immediate attention or deliberation.
This type of session is usually triggered by emergencies, crises, or pressing issues that cannot wait until the next regularly scheduled session. The content and focus of a special session can vary widely depending on the legislative body's jurisdiction and the specific purpose for which the meeting is called. Common reasons for convening a special session include addressing public emergencies, enacting urgent legislation, responding to natural disasters, or dealing with extraordinary circumstances not contemplated during regular sessions.
During a special session, the legislative body typically addresses and debates only the matters for which it was called, avoiding unrelated or non-urgent issues. Its duration can vary, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the issues at hand. Special sessions are usually called by the presiding officer of the legislative body, such as the Speaker in a parliament or the President of a state.
Overall, a special session is a unique event in the legislative calendar, occurring outside the routine sessions and focused solely on handling urgent matters, enabling swift responses to unforeseen circumstances or pressing public needs.
The word "special" originates from the Latin word "specialis", which means "particular" or "distinctive". It entered the English language in the 14th century.
The word "session" comes from the Latin word "sessio", which means "sitting" or "session". In the context of a legislative or parliamentary assembly, a session refers to the period during which it meets for business.
When combined, "special session" refers to an extraordinary or exceptional meeting of a legislative body. It is called to address specific issues or matters of urgency that cannot be attended to during a regular session. The term "special session" started to be used in English in the late 18th century.