> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/judging/discussion.md).

# Discussion

**Important:** Be sure to include all relevant details in your comment to ensure clarity and completeness.

### Phase 1: Community Judging

During this phase:

* All judges can comment without restrictions.
* Judges without a signal score can only comment on their own issues (as authors).

### Phases 2, 3, and 4

When the Lead Judge and Sherlock Judge are involved, the following rules apply:

* Each judge or author is limited to **one comment per issue** in the discussion section. Additional comments may be granted by the Lead Judge or Sherlock Judge.
* Judges must have at least **100 signal** to comment on issues submitted by third parties.

### Escalations

In Phase 3 (lasting 24 hours), judges can escalate issues by leaving a comment in the discussion. If no escalation occurs, the discussion closes at the start of Phase 4.

Escalations require a fixed **signal cost**, which is non-refundable. This cost discourages unnecessary escalations by removing the incentive to escalate freely.