Legal Definitions - serjeant-at-arms

A serjeant-at-arms (sometimes spelled sergeant-at-arms) is an officer appointed by a legislative body, court, or other formal assembly to maintain order, ensure security, and enforce its rules and directives. This individual is responsible for the physical security of the assembly, its members, and its property, and may carry a ceremonial mace as a symbol of their authority.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a serjeant-at-arms:

• During a particularly contentious debate in the national parliament, a member began shouting and refused to yield the floor despite repeated warnings from the Speaker. The serjeant-at-arms was instructed to escort the disruptive member out of the chamber. This illustrates the role's responsibility for maintaining decorum and enforcing the rules of debate within a legislative body.

• Before a high-profile session of the state legislature, the serjeant-at-arms coordinated with security personnel to ensure all public entrances were monitored and that no unauthorized individuals could access restricted areas. They also oversaw the placement of the ceremonial mace on the Speaker's table. This demonstrates the serjeant-at-arms' function in ensuring the physical security of the assembly and its members, as well as upholding the traditions and symbols of the institution.

• At the annual general meeting of a large professional association, a heated discussion among members threatened to devolve into chaos. The presiding officer called upon the serjeant-at-arms to restore order and ensure that only registered members were participating in the vote. This shows how the role extends beyond government bodies to other formal organizations where maintaining order and enforcing procedural rules are crucial for the proper conduct of business.