Legal Definitions - en banc sitting

Definition: An en banc sitting is a court session in which all the judges (or a quorum) participate.

Example: The Supreme Court of the United States may hold an en banc sitting to review a case that is of significant importance or controversy.

Explanation: In an en banc sitting, all the judges of a court, or a quorum (a minimum number of judges required for a decision to be valid), participate in the hearing of a case. This is usually done in cases that are of significant importance or controversy, as it allows for a broader range of perspectives and opinions to be considered in the decision-making process.

Other examples of court sessions include:

• Sitting: A court session, especially a session of an appellate court.
• In camera sitting: A court session conducted by a judge in chambers or elsewhere outside the courtroom.

Example: A judge may hold an in camera sitting to hear sensitive or confidentialinformation that cannot be disclosed in open court.

Explanation: In an in camera sitting, a judge hears a case or evidence in private, outside of the courtroom. This is usually done to protect sensitive or confidential information that cannot be disclosed in open court, such as information related to national security or personal privacy.