Other judges then preside at the criminal trial, typically without a jury. However, the most serious cases tried by the "cour d’assises" (a branch of the Court of Appeal) involve three judges and nine juror who jointly determine the verdict and sentencing. Like civil proceedings, criminal proceedings focus on written evidence and written argument, although witnesses are usually also heard orally. Judges or prosecutors order independent experts for the proceeding, if necessary. One appeal can be made on questions of fact and law, save for decisions of the "cour d’assises". Appeals may also be made to the Court of Cassacation on questions of law. Other judges (the "juge de l’application des peines") supervise the sentence and deal with parole.