Convention

:For the constitutional convention of the French Revolution, see National Convention.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Convention has at least two very distinct but related meanings.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With the original meaning of "to come together" or "to assemble", the term may refer to the physical meeting together in one place of a group of people for some common, specific purpose. Both the physical location and the act of coming together may constitute "a convention".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The term may also refer to a set of widely agreed or accepted rules or customs. In this latter sense, certain types of rules or customs may become law, and regulatory legislation may be introduced to formalise or enforce the convention (eg. laws which determine which side of the road vehicles must be driven). In a social context, a convention may retain the character of an "unwritten" law of custom (eg. the manner in which people greet each other, such as by shaking each other's hands).

Related Topics:
Law - Legislation - Road - Social

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~