A gavel is a small ceremonial mallet commonly made of hardwood, typically fashioned with a handle. It can be used to call for attention or to punctuate rulings and proclamations and is a symbol of the authority and right to act officially in the capacity of a presiding officer.

The term defamation is often used to encompass both libel and slander. In order for the person about whom a statement is made to recover for libel, the false statement must be defamatory, meaning that it actually harms the reputation of the other person, as opposed to being merely insulting or offensive.

Written defamation is called “libel,” while spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” (a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong). A person who has been defamed can sue the person who did the defaming for damages.

A gavel strikes against a small piece of wood called a “sound block.” It can also be referred to as a “sounding block.” Gavels and sound blocks are often used by judges or presiding officers during legal proceedings or meetings in order to signal order or call attention.

Gavel. Another name for the auctioneer’s hammer used to close the bidding.

In English law, the black cap was worn by a judge when passing a sentence of death. Although it is called a “cap”, it is not made to fit the head as a typical cap does; instead it is a simple plain square made of black fabric.

“May God have mercy upon your soul” or “may God have mercy on your soul” is a phrase used within courts in various legal systems by judges pronouncing a sentence of death upon a person found guilty of a crime that requires a death sentence.

Neither the judges nor the lawyers wear wigs. Both judges and lawyers wear a long black robe termed as the ‘gown’. Lawyers are supposed to wear a gown having the barrister’s pouch at the back.

Entering and exiting the courtroom It is customary to bow your head at the Coat of Arms behind the judges before entering and exiting the courtrooms in NSW as a sign of respect to the legal system.

Things you should never do

• Don’t show up late. On the day of your hearing, it’s very important to arrive early.
• Don’t use your phone. You will not be able to use your phone, computer or any other device in the courtroom.
• Don’t interrupt. It’s important to be polite to everyone in the courthouse.
• Don’t be afraid to ask.

Standing when the judge enters the courtroom is a procedural formality and like most procedural formalities it has both a symbolic purpose and a very real purpose. The symbolic purpose is to show the heightened status of the judge. Whether you respect him/her or not is irrelevant.

There is a relatively set path for becoming a judge, including the following steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
2. Take the Law School Admission Test.
3. Attend law school and earn a Juris Doctorate.
4. Pass the bar exam.
5. Create your resume.
6. Consider becoming a clerk.
7. Practice law.
8. Earn your judgeship.

The role of the judge is to keep order or to tell you the sentence of the person. In cases with a jury, the judge is responsible for insuring that the law is followed, and the jury determines the facts. In cases without a jury, the judge also is the finder of fact.

Bailiff: Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly listen to this case and render a true verdict and a fair sentence as to this defendant? (Jury should answer “I do”). You may be seated.

Judge: (After verdict is read) Thank you, Jury, for your service today. Court is adjourned. Any attorney may object to a question asked of a witness on the stand or the admission of an exhibit if s/he feels that it does not follow a rule of evidence.

Oath: I swear by Almighty God that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Affirmation: I solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.