What does the Latin term "court en banc" refer to?

The Latin term "court en banc" refers to a situation where a case is heard before all the judges of a court, rather than by a smaller panel of judges. This practice is commonly used in appellate courts when a significant legal question is at stake or when there is a need to resolve conflicting decisions from different panels.

Hearing a case en banc enables the court to provide a more comprehensive and cohesive interpretation of the law, as it allows for the full perspective of all judges involved. This is particularly important for maintaining consistency in legal rulings and ensuring that varying interpretations do not lead to confusion in the legal system.

While other options touch on various types of courts or functions, they do not accurately capture the essence of what "court en banc" means. Therefore, the correct understanding centers on the involvement of all judges, underscoring the collaborative nature of such proceedings.