Too Bad I Take Things Seriously

In criminal proceedings, after the court session began, the plaintiff first presented the complaint and the sequence of events. Then, it was the defendant's turn to rebut and state their differing views. After this stage concluded, the collegial panel would summarize the differing viewpoints from both sides. This focused the case on these key points. The subsequent stages of presenting evidence, cross-examination, and defense would all revolve around these focal points. This is also the greatest difference between a court proceeding and a common argument. Beyond the requirement for evidence, a court proceeding also revolves around refuting the opposing side on key points. An argument, on the other hand, can go anywhere, sometimes veering miles off-topic.

"Defendant, please continue your statement."

After silencing Yuan Cui Lian, Zhou Quanmin turned back to Qin Mu, his expression impartial and devoid of any emotion. As the Judgment Chief, he was the embodiment of judicial fairness in the courtroom. No emotional bias was permitted.

Qin Mu nodded and resumed speaking, "Now to the fifth point!

"The police station shared some information with us. Your son, Xia Yuan, already had a criminal record of detentions for theft and fighting prior to committing this current offense.

"Yet, in your complaint, you claim Xia Yuan was inherently good. That's a blatant distortion of the truth!"

Shen Dao had inquired and shared this information with him. As someone involved in the incident, Qin Mu had the right to know these facts. The Xia Yuan they had pursued had previously been detained multiple times for theft and assault, under both administrative and criminal detention. Although the detentions weren't lengthy, his file clearly documented multiple criminal offenses!

According to relevant criminal law provisions, robbery generally carries a sentence of three to ten years of imprisonment or criminal detention. Those with prior convictions receive harsher penalties. Xia Yuan's robbery this time would very likely result in a ten-year prison sentence!

"Point six, regarding compensation issues."

Finally, Qin Mu took a deep breath and stated their position: "In this case, all four of us unanimously believe we are not at fault and will not offer any compensation!"

Yuan Cui Lian, in addition to demanding they bear criminal responsibility, also sought 1.58 million in civil compensation. Originally, according to the determination by the relevant authorities, excluding Bai Xuelan, each of them was to bear 5% of the civil liability. This translated to just over ten thousand per person, which was why Yuan Cui Lian had become so enraged. And now, Qin Mu declared in court that they wouldn't pay a single penny! Each of the six points he raised directly contradicted Yuan Cui Lian's claims.

The collegial panel quickly summarized the focal points of the case based on both parties' statements.

Zhou Quanmin spoke in a deep voice, summarizing, "After hearing the statements from both plaintiff and defendant, this court now summarizes the case into four focal points.

"First, the plaintiff asserts that Xia Yuan was not a robber. The defendants, however, maintain that Xia Yuan did commit robbery and is therefore guilty of this crime.

"Second, the plaintiff asserts that Xia Yuan's death is causally linked to the actions of the four defendants. The defendants deny this causal link.

"Third, the plaintiff asserts that the defendants' actions were excessively reckless and warrant criminal responsibility. The defendants, however, contend their actions were a courageous attempt to stop a crime and that they should not bear criminal responsibility.

"Fourth, the plaintiff asserts that the defendants should bear civil liability and provide compensation. The defendants, however, argue they should not bear any civil liability for this incident."

The four focal points of the case were quickly established.

"To both parties, are there any additions to these four focal points?"

Subsequently, Zhou Quanmin made a routine inquiry. After confirming there were no further points of contention to add, he announced gravely, "Next, we will proceed to the evidence presentation and cross-examination stage."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuan Cui Lian's defense attorney, from the plaintiff's bench, stood up and submitted a series of award certificates and diplomas. These documents were slightly yellowed, clearly showing their age.

"Your Honor, members of the panel, these are various awards and certificates Xia Yuan received during his schooling. From elementary school onward, he consistently excelled in both character and academics…"

According to the defense attorney's explanation, Xia Yuan's alleged robbery was completely out of character. This case, he argued, could not simply be treated as a robbery. Furthermore, the attorney stated that apart from Bai Xuelan's testimony, there was no actual surveillance footage capturing Xia Yuan committing the robbery. There were gaps in the chain of evidence. Therefore, Xia Yuan could not simply be convicted as a robber.

Their defense strategy was also very clear: to remove the label of 'robber' from Xia Yuan. If successful, the subsequent legal proceedings would be much easier for them to handle.

At the defendants' table, Bai Xuelan listened to the opposing counsel's distortion of the facts and was suddenly rendered speechless with anger. The place where she had been robbed indeed had no surveillance cameras, making it impossible to provide video proof that Xia Yuan had robbed her of her gold necklace. At that moment, aside from herself, no one else had witnessed the robbery. No surveillance footage, no eyewitness testimony. She hadn't expected that the opposition would seize on this point to launch their attack right from the beginning.

"Don't worry."

Zhang Wei comforted her with a quiet word, then immediately stood up. He presented the evidence they had prepared.

"Here is the authentication report for the gold necklace recovered after the incident, and the forensic report on the ligature marks found on our client Bai Xuelan's neck.

"These reports confirm that the fingerprints of both our client, Bai Xuelan, and Xia Yuan were found on the gold necklace."