Cases in United States courts of appeals are heard by three-judge panels, randomly chosen from the sitting appeals court judges of that circuit. If a party loses before a circuit panel they may appeal for a rehearing "en banc". A majority of the active circuit judges must agree to hear or rehear a case "en banc". The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure state that "en banc" proceedings are disfavored but may be ordered to maintain uniformity of decisions within the circuit or if the issue is exceptionally important (Fed. R. App. P. 35(a)). Only the U.S. Supreme Court can overrule an "en banc" decision.