Which term indicates a collective decision-making group in court?

The term "en banc" refers to a situation in which an appellate court hears a case with all its judges participating. This is different from a case being heard by a smaller panel of judges, which is more common. The use of "en banc" signifies that the decision is made collectively by the entire court, ensuring that the ruling reflects a consensus among all the judges and provides a more authoritative interpretation of the law.

This term is especially important in appellate courts, where significant precedents can affect the legal landscape, and a collective decision is vital for maintaining consistency in judicial rulings. Additionally, the use of "en banc" usually occurs in cases that involve substantial legal questions or where there is a need to overturn or clarify previous rulings.

In contrast, "en block" doesn't specifically relate to court decisions, while "on the bench" refers to judges currently presiding over court proceedings but does not imply collective decision-making. "Legal impediment," on the other hand, pertains to obstacles that prevent legal actions from being carried out effectively, and thus does not relate to the concept of a decision-making body within a court context.