A debate chamber is a room for people to discuss and debate. Debate chambers are used in governmental and educational bodies, such as a parliament, congress, city council, or a university, either for formal proceedings or for informal discourse, such as a deliberative assembly. When used for legislative purposes, a debate chamber may also be known as a council chamber, legislative chamber, or similar term. Some countries, such as New Zealand, use the term debating chamber as a formal name for the room that houses the national legislature.
A debate chamber of the City Council of Tampere in the City Central Office Building of Tampere, Finland
19th century painting depicting a meeting of North American indigenous people.
Catania Greek-Roman theater
Westminster style parliamentary debate: John G. Diefenbaker in the House of Commons of Canada, 1956
The speaker of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body, is its presiding officer, or the chair. The title was first used in 1377 in England.
Speakers and presiding officers from various Commonwealth nations meet for a Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference in Wellington, New Zealand, 1984
Marshal's chair in the Sejm, lower chamber of the Polish Parliament
Ths Speaker's Chair in the UK House of Commons (19th century photograph)