presiding judge or judges have been enabled to evaluate whether the conduct in question complies or does not comply with the law, and which aspects might be breaches of which specific legislation. Depending on jurisdiction, the stages leading up to the sentence may vary, and the sentence may be challenged by both parties up to a given degree of appeal. If appealed against, the sentence issued by the highest appellate court to which the case is admitted becomes the definitive sentence. The sentence usually has to be publicly announced; and, in most jurisdictions, has to be justified through an explanation of the juridical reflections and evaluations that lie behind it. Even a definitive sentence can be annulled in exceptional circumstances, usually predetermined within the jurisdiction in question. Most such cases arise from irregularities found in the judicial process after sentence has been passed. The most extreme examples arise in criminal cases, when conclusive proof of innocence comes to light after sentence has been passed, leading to the sentence's annulment. In most jurisdictions, under double jeopardy legislation, the definitive sentence is unique, in the sense that (except for appeal hearings) no individual can be judged or sentenced more than once for the same actions. In many jurisdictions, sentences are a source of law, in that they represent an authoritative interpretation of the law in concrete cases. The sentence is typically determined by a judge and/or jury, and is issued in the name or on behalf of the superior authority of the state. See also Criminal costs Criminal sentencing in Canada Criminal sentencing in the United States English criminal law Incapacitation (penology) Sentencing disparity Sentencing in England and Wales Judgment (law) Sentencing guidelines References External links Sentencing (Directgov, England and Wales)