text: Don't know how accurate this history is.\nhttp://www.woodentoys-uk.co.uk/gavel%20history.html\n\nIn the US, the gavel was taken from European backgrounds and was used to quiet the masses in order to call a meeting or court to order.\nVery few judges today actually USE a gavel, but most have one on the bench for appearances sake (the image of a judge banging a gavel to get control over a courtroom is a hollywood scenario ONLY)