What is hear ye?

"hear ye" is a phrase used in courtrooms, particularly in the United States, to get the attention of those present before an announcement is made. It is often used by judges or court criers as a traditional way to call for silence and attentiveness. The phrase is derived from Middle English and Old English, meaning "hear you" or "listen to this" in modern terms. In modern times, it is also used in formal speeches or public announcements to get the attention of the audience before the start of the speech.