How many judges decide each case? How do three-judge panels work?
The Court of Appeals hears cases in three-judge panels to ensure a fair review of the decision of a single trial court judge, and to prohibit the chances of an evenly-divided panel. The Court does not hear cases “en banc,” meaning as a full court of 15, but judges do rotate panels regularly using a mathematical formula so that all 15 work with one another over a 2-1/2 year period. Cases are randomly assigned. Learn more about the three-judge panel.
