Article 172 of Code of Criminal Procedure and Trials

After completion of the investigation and pleadings, the court shall render its judgment of acquittal or punishment. In either case, it shall decide the claim for compensation submitted by the civil claimant. If the court considers the charge established and has not examined the circumstances calling for mitigation or aggravation of the penalty, it may first render a judgment of conviction. It shall then hear the statements of both the prosecutor and the accused concerning the assessment of the penalty, and shall also hear witnesses concerning the accused's character if this is requested and there is justification for granting that request. Thereafter, it shall render a judgment imposing the penalty it decides to inflict on the accused. Issuance of judgments and their effects