Oyez

Origins and history

The call traces back to the period following the Norman Conquest, when Anglo-Norman became the dominant tongue among England's upper classes. In that era, courts of law conducted business in Law French rather than standard English, a custom that lasted until the eighteenth century. The word itself comes from the plural imperative form of the French verb for hearing, making it an instruction equivalent to hear ye. Medieval town criers in England and France relied on the cry to gather crowds and quiet onlookers before sharing announcements.

British civic ceremonies

In the United Kingdom, the expression survives in municipal pageantry, particularly within the City of London. The Common Crier shouts the phrase when reading public proclamations, including announcements from the steps of the Royal Exchange regarding the dissolution of Parliament. These notices arrive from the Privy Council Office via Mansion House before their public delivery. The crier also opens and concludes the Common Halls held at Guildhall to elect the lord mayor and sheriffs. Ward beadles similarly open local Wardmote assemblies with the triple chant.

American judicial usage

The phrase remains deeply embedded in the American legal system. At the Supreme Court of the United States, the marshal raps a gavel and recites the word three times to announce the arrival of the justices and demand the attention of the chamber. Several federal appellate and district courts across regions like Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Virginia follow similar opening customs. State courts in Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina also preserve the cry, while Connecticut's legislature uses it to close its general assembly.

How Oyez is kept

An official, such as a court marshal, beadle, or municipal crier, calls for silence by chanting the word two or three times in succession. In judicial settings, this often follows the strike of a gavel and introduces a formal recitation commanding all people with business before the judges to draw near and pay attention. In civic assemblies, officials use the phrase before reading state proclamations or opening municipal elections.

When and where

The call is proclaimed whenever judicial courts convene for formal sessions, during legislative adjournments, and at civic events such as mayoral elections or parliamentary dissolution announcements.

The practice is observed in the United Kingdom, particularly within civic bodies in the City of London, and throughout federal and state courtrooms in the United States, including Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland.

What Oyez means

Derived from an Anglo-Norman imperative meaning to hear, the utterance serves as an explicit command for quiet and focused attention. Repeating the word marks the transition into formal governance, reminding listeners of the solemn authority of judicial benches and public assemblies.

Questions people ask about Oyez

See also

Independence DayThe United States' national day of parades, barbecues and fireworks, kept each July 4Talking stickA carved staff that shows who may speak at a Northwest Coast gatheringState of the Union addressThe US president's yearly report to Congress and the nation, given in the House chamberFlag DayAn annual American observance marking the 1777 adoption of the national flag

Good reading and sources

• Oyez on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.