Legal Definitions - in banc

Definition: In banc, also spelled en banc or in bank, is a legal term that refers to a hearing or decision made by all judges of a court, rather than a smaller panel of judges.

Example: The Supreme Court of the United States may hear cases in banc when a particularly important or controversial issue arises. For example, in 1973, the Supreme Court heard the case of Roe v. Wade in banc, meaning all nine justices participated in the decision.

Explanation: The example illustrates how in banc is used to describe a hearing or decision made by all judges of a court. In the case of Roe v. Wade, all nine justices of the Supreme Court participated in the decision, rather than just a smaller panel of judges. This is an example of an in banc hearing.