Tynwald

Tynwald (Manx: Tinvaal), or more formally, the High Court of Tynwald (Ard-whaiyl Tinvaal) or Tynwald Court, is the legislature of the Isle of Man. Established in 979 according to tradition or in the 13th century according to available historical evidence, it is the oldest continuous legislature in the world, and the second oldest legislature in the world, after the Althing, which was established in 930, disbanded in 1800, and restored in 1845.

The Tynwald consists of two chambers, known as the branches of Tynwald: the directly elected House of Keys and the indirectly chosen Legislative Council. When the two chambers sit together, they become "Tynwald Court". The chambers sit jointly, on Tynwald Day at St John's for largely ceremonial purposes, and usually once a month in the Legislative Buildings in Douglas. Otherwise, the two chambers sit separately, with the House of Keys originating most legislation, and the Legislative Council acting as a revising chamber.