Cases before the Constitutional Court are normally heard by a panel consisting of seven judges that decides by majority, this panel always comprises both Presidents, at least three judges from each linguistic group, at least two former members of the Federal Parliament and at least two judges with a legal background. Cases can also be heard by the whole Court if either President so decides or if at least two judges of the ordinary panel of seven judges so requests. If cases are heard by the whole Court, the Court cannot rule unless at least 10 judges and an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking judges are present. In this case, if the votes are equally divided, the President of the Court has a casting vote.