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Recently, Senior Partner Shi Yujie of JAVY Law Firm successfully handled a legal aid case involving the Supreme People's Court's review of a death sentence. The case culminated in a ruling to ‘not approve the death penalty, overturn the original verdict, and remand the case for retrial,’ securing a new lease of life for the client.

As a criminal defence solicitor, undertaking legal aid represents not merely a duty but a profound mission. Solicitor Shi frequently navigates diverse cases, witnessing life's hardships and the inflexibility of the law. Yet this death penalty review case from the Supreme People's Court, taken on in late 2023, remains deeply etched in his professional memory.

1. A Single Assignment, A Life-and-Death Defence

In the depths of winter 2023, Attorney Shi received an assignment notice from the Ministry of Justice Legal Aid Centre to defend a defendant in a Supreme People's Court death penalty review case. The defendant, suspected of violent crimes, faced final review of his death sentence after first and second instance trials.

When Attorney Shi first met the defendant in the detention centre, he appeared emaciated, his eyes filled with despair. ‘Counsellor, is there no hope for me?’ his voice raspy and trembling. After a moment's silence, Mr Shi spoke slowly: ‘As long as the process continues, there remains grounds for defence; as long as there is the slightest possibility, I shall fight for you.’

2. Unravelling the Threads: Seeking Glimmers of Hope Within the Case Files

Reviewing the case files is the first and most crucial step in legal aid. Within the thick files lay not only the harrowing details of the incident but also potentially overlooked nuances. Attorney Shi meticulously studied the judgments from both the first and second trials, piecing together the chain of evidence. He compared the legal distinctions between charges of ‘intentional homicide’ and ‘intentional injury,’ analysing every factor considered in sentencing.

3. Discharging Duty Legally, Voicing Concerns Through Review

The Supreme People's Court's review process is rigorous and solemn. Attorney Shi lawfully met with the defendant, thoroughly listening to his statements and defences while understanding his upbringing and family circumstances. These seemingly irrelevant details might offer insight into his motives.

Attorney Shi also meticulously examined the People's Procuratorate's arguments, seeking defence openings through the collision of prosecution and defence perspectives. Ultimately, Attorney Shi focused his defence arguments on aspects such as ‘the proportionality of punishment to crime’ and ‘comprehensive sentencing considerations,’ particularly advocating for leniency based on the defendant's demonstrated remorse.

As a legal aid solicitor, Attorney Shi fulfilled his defence duties in accordance with the law, articulating his arguments clearly. His sole aim was to ensure the court heard the defendant's voice, enabling the scales of justice to find precise calibration within procedural fairness.

4. The dust settles, yet legal aid's significance extends far beyond individual cases

In July 2025, when the Supreme People's Court issued its ruling to ‘disapprove the death sentence, overturn the original verdict, and remand the case for retrial,’ Attorney Shi promptly conveyed the outcome to the defendant. He froze, murmuring after a long pause: " Thank you... Thank you, solicitor..." In that moment, Mr Shi understood that the value of legal aid lies not merely in securing procedural rights for the client, but in revealing the warmth of the law and the possibility of justice amidst despair. When all others abandon you, the state's legal aid system remains steadfast in its selfless support.

As a criminal defence solicitor, Mr Shi deeply comprehends that every case concerns an individual's destiny, and each defence bears the weight of the rule of law. In the ‘final mile’ of criminal defence, legal aid serves as a vital force upholding the right to life. It ensures that every person in distress can feel the fairness and justice of the law, allowing the light of justice to shine into every corner. It enables the state's care for the rule of law to reflect the warmth of citizens' rights in every case and to convey the power of judicial fairness in every defence.

The narrative of this particular case may have reached a temporary conclusion, yet the mission of legal aid endures. Attorney Shi shall continue, with professional reverence and compassion, to defend justice and champion rights wherever they are needed.

Moving forward, JAVY Law Firm shall steadfastly uphold this founding purpose and mission. We shall continuously enhance the professional calibre and expertise of our legal team, adopting an ever more rigorous approach and delivering increasingly specialised services to stand up for justice and fight for rights with reasoned argument. Through every defence and every case handled by JIA LAWYER, the fairness and justice of the law shall be demonstrated, contributing to the advancement of a society governed by the rule of law.