It follows from the Law Lords' decision that at least some of the offences alleged are extradition crimes. It is likely that the Spanish authorities will have made sure their formal request was properly authenticated. It was never argued that the offences were of a political character and the Law Lords rejected the claim that they were within the official duties of a head of state.

The question of compassion is a difficult one. But it is worth noting that that the Crown Prosecution Service works on the basis that the more serious the offence, the more likely it is that a prosecution will be needed in the public interest. Prosecutors also take less account of a defendant's age if he is facing serious charges, such as murder.

Is it just a legal decision or do politics come into it?

In the parliamentary answer Mr Straw gave on 22 October, he added: 'this will not be a political decision: I am exercising my statutory responsibilities'. On the other hand, if parliament has given a discretion to a politician it can hardly expect that politician to ignore political issues.

Mr Straw had to decide whether someone whose extradition is sought should be sent to the country which wants to try him. On this issue, Lord Nicholls - one of the law lords in the case - said: 'Arguments about the effect on this country's diplomatic relations with Chile if extradition were allowed to proceed, or with Spain if refused, are not matters for the court. These are, par excellence, political matters for consideration by the secretary of state in the exercise of his discretion under section 12 of the Extradition Act.'

Is it just the Spanish request that has been considered here - other countries have lodged similar charges?

Jack Straw's decision deals with Spain's request for extradition, which is more advanced than any of the others.

What will happen if General Pinochet's lawyers apply for judicial review?

If applications are made for leave for judicial review in the High Court this will delay the normal extradition process. The losing side in the High Court could appeal again to the Law Lords. A different panel of Law Lords would be expected to hear the appeal.

What would follow an application for judicial review?

Eventually, when the legal process has concluded, a decision will be taken by the magistrate on whether Pinochet should be extradited. If he decides not to do so, the Spanish government can bring a further challenge in the High Court and the House of Lords. If he decides to let the extradition go ahead, Pinochet has two weeks to decide whether to challenge the decision in the High Court and then again in the House of Lords.

Will the Home Secretary have to be consulted again?

If the courts finally decide Pinochet cannot be extradited, that is the end of the matter. If the answer is yes, it is then back in the hands of the Home Secretary. Only he can issue what's called the "order to return" - which actually means the order to surrender him to the Spanish authorities. At this stage Mr Straw again has wide discretion. The Extradition Act 1989 says the Home Secretary must not make an order if it appears that: