Why do judges hit the hammer on the table once the case is over?

Question

Does anyone know where this originated from? I can't seem to find it anywhere on the internet.

Answer 1

It is used by presiding officers—notably American judges, chairmen, and auctioneers—to call for attention or to punctuate rulings and proclamations. It is customarily struck to indicate the opening and closing of proceedings, giving rise to the phrase "gavel-to-gavel" to describe the entirety of a meeting or session.

The origin of the gavel's use, indeed of the word itself, is uncertain; in Middle English it refers to rent or tribute paid to a lord.

Answer 2

A gavel is a small ceremonial mallet commonly made of hardwood, typically fashioned with a handle and often struck against a sound block to enhance its sounding qualities. It is used by presiding officers—notably American judges, chairmen, and auctioneers—to call for attention or to punctuate rulings and proclamations. It is customarily struck to indicate the opening and closing of proceedings, giving rise to the phrase "gavel-to-gavel" to describe the entirety of a meeting or session. Robert's Rules of Order provides guidelines on the proper use of the gavel in deliberative assemblies.

By metonymy, the gavel represents the entire judiciary system, especially of judgeship; to "bring down the gavel" means to enforce or compel with the power of a court. It also represents the authority of presiding officers; thus the expression "passing the gavel" signifies an orderly succession from one chair to another.

The origin of the gavel's use, indeed of the word itself, is uncertain; in Middle English it refers to rent or tribute paid to a lord. Masonic organizations used the maul as a symbol as early as the 18th century, through which the hammer may have come to represent meetings and order. Another theory posits that the word is related to the gable of a roof, whose shape may resemble a mallet or gavel.

The image of the gavel is often used erroneously by advertising agencies worldwide to signify legal proceedings in many different jurisdictions, such as England & Wales, where in fact the gavel is never used.

Answer 3

one of the first judges in tombstone was an undertaker and carpenter ,it come from that ,he always had his hammer with him and banged it on the table whenhe was fed up or through with arguing about the case
he would say ,i am gonna hammer the lid on your box ,you son of a gun.
it meant that he was about to hang the guy

Answer 4

It stems from the English Courts and it means things are final.

Answer 5

They like to show their power of which they would have none without the balifs in the room.

Answer 6

it is say that court is in session ,court proceedings are on,attension everybody,verdict given etc.