Sergeant at arms is an officer who keeps order during the meetings of clubs and deliberative bodies. The sergeant at arms also serves legal papers for the assembly. In addition, this officer has the power to compel members to attend sessions when their presence is necessary to make a quorum.
Each branch of the United States Congress has an office for a sergeant at arms. When the sergeant at arms carries the mace (staff) down the aisle of the legislature, all disorder must cease (see Mace ). Any disorderly member is guilty of contempt.
Historians believe that the office of sergeant at arms was created by King Richard I of England. The king appointed a corps of 24 bodyguards to attend and guard him.
