Pronunciation: [ˈɛn bˈank] (IPA) 
The phrase "en banc" is used in legal contexts to refer to a hearing or decision made by all the judges of a court, rather than a smaller panel. It is pronounced \ɑn bɑn(k)\, with stress on the first syllable of both words. The first syllable of "en" is pronounced like the sound in "fan," and the second syllable is pronounced like the "bon" in "bonjour." The word "banc" is pronounced like "bank," with a silent final "c" in English.
En banc is a term derived from French, meaning "on the bench." In legal contexts, en banc refers to a proceeding or decision made by all the judges or justices of a court, rather than by a smaller panel. It is typically used in appellate courts or high-level tribunals to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular matter.
When a case is heard en banc, it means that all judges or justices of the court participate in the decision-making process. This is in contrast to cases heard by a panel of judges, which usually consists of three or more members of the court. En banc hearings may be requested by one or both parties involved in a case, or they may be ordered by the court itself.
The purpose of an en banc hearing is to allow for a more diverse and comprehensive consideration of a case. It ensures that a broader range of perspectives and legal expertise is brought to bear on the matter at hand. This approach is often used when a case presents a complex legal issue, involves a significant question of law, or when there is a need to revisit or overturn a previous decision of the court. The en banc process helps to promote uniformity and consistency in judgment, as well as to enhance the legitimacy of the court's decisions.
The term "en banc" has its origins in French. The word "en" means "in" or "on", and "banc" translates to "bench". In the context of legal proceedings, specifically in common law and civil law systems, "banc" refers to the elevated seat where judges or magistrates sit during a court session.
The phrase "en banc" is used to describe a court session in which all judges or all members of an appellate court participate in the hearing and decision-making process. It signifies a full court sitting, as opposed to hearing a case before a panel of judges.
The adoption of the term "en banc" in English legal language is believed to stem from the influence of French legal terminology on the British and American legal systems. As such, it is commonly used in both jurisdictions to refer to a full-court decision or hearing.
