"These kinds of things happen all the time, Vice President. You may not be aware, but there was once a couple who were completely uncooperative, and the trial couldn't even proceed..."

A few elders nodded, responding, "In the end, they received a twenty-year sentence, which is currently the longest sentence Xiao Qin has dealt out."

"Who knows when Xiao Qin will break the record? That all happened several months ago."

As the elders spoke, they couldn't help but show a look of anticipation.

It left Wan Zhongyuan in a stunned daze. A twenty-year prison sentence! You wouldn't expect such a sentence unless someone had killed a few people, would you?

「Jin City Court.」

「Second Criminal Court.」

The two sides began extensive debates on the issues of excessive self-defense and the right to unlimited self-defense, each sticking to their arguments. They steadfastly held to their points of view.

"Prosecution, defense attorney, do you have any new points to add?"

After three hours of debate, Zhou Quanmin looked at both parties and asked in a somber voice.

Zhang Wei shook his head. The prosecutor also shook his head.

After three hours of debate, they had said all that could be said and fought for all they could. What was to follow depended on the collegial panel's deliberation outcome.

"In that case, let's adjourn the session for half an hour."

Zhou Quanmin nodded. He then led the members of the collegial panel out of the courtroom and into the deliberation room behind it.

「In the conference room.」

Seven individuals took their respective seats. Every one of them wore a solemn expression.

This case... was very tricky. Indeed. It was tricky! The details of the case were clear, and the evidence was more than sufficient; saying it was ironclad would not be an overstatement. But the sentencing... presented a significant dilemma. To determine it as excessive self-defense meant sentencing Huang Lan to an eight-year prison term. That, however, seemed exceedingly unfair to Huang Lan because they had also watched the wedding disturbance video. The behavior of those causing the disturbance—tearing at the dress and fondling—was extremely vile!

"Let's talk about it. What are everyone's views on this case?" Zhou Quanmin urged, cutting straight to the point when he saw the other six people not speaking.

"I think... both excessive self-defense and the right to unlimited self-defense meet the criteria for recognition, but sentencing her to eight years imprisonment seems to show the justice system as too rigid," one judge frowned and expressed an opinion.

Another judge added his concerns, "If we rule for unlimited self-defense, meaning Huang Lan would be acquitted, wouldn't that have a negative impact on society?"

"Of course, there will be negative effects. If we settle for an acquittal, I'm afraid incidents of using the right to unlimited self-defense to fight back without restraint will increase," another juror analyzed from their perspective.

Unlike the prosecutor and the defense lawyer, their verdict needed to maintain judicial fairness and justice while ensuring social stability and promoting correct values. This is why in decades of judicial practice, the right to unlimited self-defense has been ruled in only a dozen cases! If the right to unlimited self-defense were applied too liberally, society could become more turbulent, which is not conducive to peaceful and stable development.

Actually, in legal circles, there has always been advocacy for the abolition of the right to unlimited self-defense. Around the world, only a handful of countries still maintain this right. Many scholars believe that the right to unlimited self-defense provides an ambiguous definition of violent crime, likely causing confusion and leading to unnecessary casualties. Ordinary people may mistake unlawful infringement for a violent crime, thus engaging in misguided self-defense. In addition, the right to unlimited self-defense could be abused, becoming a tool for certain criminals to achieve their illegal goals. For the defender, acquiring this right also means they could engage in irresponsible and limitless retaliation against criminals, which is too extreme and fails to protect the rights of the criminals. Even those who have committed unlawful acts should be protected by law. If they are struck down with a single blow, it is not conducive to their reformation and re-education.

"Regarding this case... perhaps we should seek a compromise. Declaring eight years is too harsh, while an acquittal is equally extreme," someone suggested in the end.

Zhou Quanmin frowned, looking at everyone. "Colleagues, I know what you are worried about. Unlimited self-defense should not be ruled lightly, but here, I want to ask you to search your consciences: what is the true nature of legislation?"

Being questioned in such a way, the others were momentarily stunned.

"Our legislation is to protect the basic rights of citizens and ensure that their legitimate interests are not violated," Zhou Quanmin scanned the crowd and answered his own question. After a pause, he continued, "Everyone should be aware of the Deng Yujiao case from thirteen years ago. It sparked great controversy in academic circles at the time. Had it not been for the guidance of an expert, Deng Yujiao... likely wouldn't have been exempted from punishment!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes flickered; they were clearly aware of this case that had shocked the nation. The excessive verbal demands of the guests at the time, coupled with physical harassment, led Deng Yujiao to defend herself, resulting in one death and one injury. The situation was extremely similar to Huang Lan's case today... one could even say the "infringement" Huang Lan encountered was more severe!

"In this case, I cannot find any middle ground, but I only wish to follow the original intention of the legislation and make a fair and just judgment!" Zhou Quanmin took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "These are my thoughts. Now, it's time for everyone to state their positions."

Ultimately, after a half-hour discussion, the seven members began to vote, proposing a sentencing plan for the case.

「Second Criminal Court.」

In the defendant's dock, Huang Lan sat nervously with her head bowed, biting her lower lip. She glanced at Zhang Wei from time to time. The half-hour recess was almost over; she was about to receive her judgment.

"Don't be nervous. If the first trial isn't an acquittal, then we'll appeal," Zhang Wei looked at her and whispered comfortingly. This case... was far from easy to fight. He and Qin Mu had already prepared for an appeal.

Meanwhile, next to the prosecutor's seats, Chen Daoguang and the three others were also discussing in low voices.

"Big brother, your speech was so outstanding just now. They should sentence her to death this time, right?"

"Not necessarily. I feel the judge has taken money, actually shielding them so much, especially by not letting you speak, big brother. It's really too much."

"Even if it's not the death penalty, she should be sentenced to more years. Eight years is really too lenient! My son was stabbed to such a state by her!"

"We should... be able to win, right?"

"..."

The four of them were also somewhat nervous. Even though they themselves had another court case tomorrow, they unanimously hoped for Huang Lan to be sentenced to death!

"All rise!"

Half an hour later, the recess ended. Zhou Quanmin led all members of the collegial panel back to their respective places.

He declared solemnly, "Today, the Jin City Court's Second Criminal Court has conducted a public trial for the case of Huang Lan stabbing one person to death and injuring three others."

"After the collegial panel's courtroom investigation, the prosecutor's presentation of evidence, and the defense attorney's cross-examination, the court finds that the case facts are clear, the evidence is sufficient, and the incident stemmed from Huang Lan's use of a folding knife she carried for self-defense."

Next to the prosecutor's seats, Chen Daoguang and his group lifted their heads upon hearing this, showing looks of excitement.

However, Zhou Quanmin's next sentence turned their expressions unspeakably ugly.

"This case is of a special nature, resulting from inappropriate wedding hazing. The deceased Chen Quan and other hazers committed acts of violent indecency at the wedding scene, severely violating our country's criminal law and constituting a violent crime."

"Huang Lan repeatedly attempted to dissuade them, using both words and actions to clearly express her intentions. When dissuasion proved ineffective, she took defensive actions, leading to one death and three injuries."

"According to Article 20, Paragraph 3 of our country's Criminal Law, this act meets the constituent elements for unlimited self-defense. Her defensive actions are not subject to proportionality requirements, and she bears no criminal responsibility."

"The following judgment is therefore rendered:

Huang Lan's actions constituted justifiable defense and fall under unlimited self-defense; therefore, she is not criminally liable under the law.

The injuries and medical expenses incurred due to Huang Lan's justifiable defense shall be borne by the wedding hazers themselves.

The prosecutor's charges of intentional injury and negligent homicide are inconsistent with the law. The charges are not established, and the prosecutor's litigation requests are dismissed."

"Should there be objections to this judgment, an application for a retrial may be submitted to this court, or an appeal may be filed with a higher court, within fifteen days from the date this judgment takes effect."

The solemn proclamation of the verdict echoed in the courtroom.

In the defendant's dock, Huang Lan, upon hearing this verdict, was overcome with emotion and wept, covering her face. All the apprehension and unease of the past many days were released in this moment. The words "not guilty" kept echoing in her mind. Those words... were too heavy, and too precious.

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