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.

Why is the gavel used?

The reason American judges adopted gavels in the first place is not clear. The most likely explanation appears to be that they borrowed it from Freemasonry. George Washington and other revolutionary leaders were Masons who incorporated Masonic symbols in the new nation's rites and symbols.

Why do judges use gavels?

It tends to be utilized to call for consideration or to intersperse decisions and declarations and is an image of the position and right to act authoritatively in the limit of a managing official.