Hemicycle


 * The term hemicycle means:

In legislatures terms, a hemicycle is a semicircular, or horseshoe-shaped, debating chamber (plenary chamber), where deputies (members) sit to discuss and pass legislation.

The United Kingdom, which is the originator of the Westminster system, does not use a hemicycle. However, two of the three devolved legislatures, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, do use hemicycles; the Northern Ireland Assembly does not use a hemicycle format.

The European Parliament in 2006, began operating in a hemicycle from its foundation in 1958, based on European traditions.

It is also used in Toronto City Council, Senate of France and the Hong Kong Legco.


 * Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemicycle and https://www.thefreedictionary.com/hemicycle.