What Is the Hammer in Court Called
The hammer in court is called a gavel. A gavel is a small ceremonial mallet used by judges, magistrates, and other presiding officers to call for order, signal rulings, and mark the start or end of proceedings. The word gavel comes from the Old English term for a ceremonial or judicial hammer, and the tool has been a recognized symbol of judicial authority for centuries history of the gavel.
In most U.S. federal and state courtrooms, the gavel is made of hardwood, often walnut, oak, or mahogany, and is paired with a sound block known as a lectern or judge's bench. The exact design, size, and material can vary by jurisdiction, but the function remains the same: to punctuate authority and maintain decorum during trials, hearings, and sentencing U.S. Courts official site.
How the Gavel Is Used in Court
Judges use the gavel to manage courtroom behavior, calling the court to order when jurors enter, witnesses testify, or arguments become disruptive. A single strike typically signals the start of a session, while a series of sharp taps can restore silence or emphasize a ruling. The gavel also marks the official opening or closing of a trial, and it can be used to acknowledge rulings on objections, motions, or sentencing decisions Cornell Law definition.
Although popular media often shows dramatic, repeated gavel strikes, real courtroom practice is more restrained. Most judges use one or two controlled taps to gain attention, and excessive striking is generally discouraged. In some courts, the gavel is used alongside specific verbal commands, such as "Order in the court," while in others the sound alone is enough to signal a procedural transition Britannica entry on gavel.
Gavel Traditions and Symbolism Across Legal Systems
Historical Origins and Judicial Symbolism
The gavel has deep roots in English common law and parliamentary tradition, where it was used by speakers and presiding officers to maintain order. In the United States, the gavel became a standard part of the federal judiciary's visual identity, symbolizing impartiality, control, and the rule of law. Many state courts have adopted similar practices, and the image of a judge striking a gavel is widely recognized as a shorthand for the legal system itself U.S. Congress historical records.
Modern Courtroom Technology and Alternatives
While the traditional wooden gavel remains the most common tool, some modern courtrooms have experimented with microphone systems, electronic signaling devices, or verbal cues as complements or alternatives to the gavel. However, the gavel continues to serve as the primary physical symbol of judicial authority in most common-law jurisdictions. Its presence on the bench reinforces the formality of the courtroom and reminds participants that proceedings are conducted under established legal rules and precedents Cornell Law Institute.