Oyez
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Aschlafly (talk | contribs) at 19:44, September 28, 2007. It may differ significantly from current revision.
Oyez, which is often pronounced as "Oh Yes," means "hear ye" and was traditionally used as an exclamation to attract everyone's attention to the beginning of a legal proceeding or the issuance of an official proclamation. In courtrooms, the bailiff would shout this out.
In modern times, courtroom proceedings are typically initiated with an exclamation by the bailiff or deputy clerk of "all rise" as the judge enters the courtroom.