Full Court

In practice. A term applied to a court sitting in banc, and implying, strictly, the presence of all- the judges. 3 Chit. Gen. Prac. 2. The term "full bench" is frequently used.

A court in banc with all the judges on the bench who are qualified to sit. It is not unusual for counsel in a case of great public importance, in the absence of one or more of the Judges to ask for a postponement of a trial or argument in order that the cause may be heard and determined by a full court and not by a mere quorum. The granting of such an application is not a matter of right, but, in a case which appears to the court to Justify it, the course proposed will generally be taken. Such applications are not unusual in the United States Supreme Court, in cases Involving grave constitutional questions, and in the state courts In cases Involving the life of a party or some grave public question. Sometimes where a case has been decided by a majority of a quorum, but a minority of the whole number of Judges, a motion for a rehearing by the full court is allowed. Formerly in England the expression was used when other Judges sat with the Judge who regularly held the court Thus the Full Court of Appeal in Chancery consisted of the liord Chancellor and Lords Justices sitting together. The Full Court in Divorce and Matrimonial Causes consisted of the Judge Ordinary and at least two other members of the court. These arrangements are, nominally at least, superseded under the Judicature Acta

A session of a court which is attended by ali the judges or justices composing it.

Defined under Court in Black's Law Dictionary.

In practice. A court in banc. A court duly organized with all the judges present.

In practice. A term applied to a court sitting in banc, and implying, strictly, the presence of all the judges.* 3 Chiit. Gen. Fr. 2. The term full bench is frequently used.