When do judges use the gavel

Canadian courts are generally conducted in a more respectful, dignified and formal way than what we see on television. Order in the Court! So Canadian productions, media reports and advertising that provide realistic depictions of our court proceedings - without gavels - would serve an educational purpose. Misleading ones weaken public understanding of our courts and legal system. What can be done about it? In Britain, misused gavels have been brought to public attention by newspaper articles and columns — and not just in the legal news sections.

The campaign to correct gavel misrepresentation there is robust enough that the Guardian printed a review in its tv and radio section panning a period drama for its wrongful gavel use. Some might think Tonus had allowed his imagination or his refreshment to run away with itself, but no one can deny either the genuineness of his interest or the thoroughness of his research.

The sheer variety of types of ceremonial hammer is staggering. The book also contains a selection of essays and interviews relating to the gavel as a cultural, political or legal device. Among the curious facts encountered is that auctioneers hold the gavel by the head, not the haft. And gavels do appear in some international courts, albeit only as a symbolic object.

For anyone considering a PhD on the role of ritual in the judicial process, this book would be a good place to start. You can buy it direct from Ideas Books. Online research for solicitors and barristers practising in English law Free Trial. If you need any help with finding publications or just ask a question.

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Bang to rites: everything you ever wanted to know about gavels but were afraid to ask. By Ellie MacKenzie. Judges and magistrates are therefore officially representatives of the Crown. The black cap The black cap — based on court headgear in Tudor times — was traditionally put on by judges passing sentence of death. Oaths Judges, magistrates and tribunal members take two oaths when they are sworn in.

Oaths were used at least as far back as Anglo-Saxon and Roman times. Further information Find out more information on judicial oaths opens in a new tab Visit the Supreme Court website opens in a new tab. Did you find what you were looking for? Yes No Tell us what you were looking for Thank you for your feedback!