Panels

(a) Panels. When not heard en banc, cases and controversies will be heard and determined by a panel consisting of an odd number of at least three judges. A panel generally will include no more than one senior judge. See 28 U.S.C. § 46(c). (b) Assignment of Cases. Assignment of cases to panels will be made so as to provide each judge with a representative cross-section of the fields of law within the jurisdiction of the court. See 28 U.S.C. § 46(b). Federal Circuit Rules of Practice (December 1, 2025) Page 196 (Return to Table of Contents)