Beijing Shaohemingdi Law Firm Awarded a Silk Banner
Recently, a family member of one of our clients delivered a silk banner printed with words “Legal Assistance Warms the People by Solving People’s Concerns Wholeheartedly and Responsibly” to the law firm through the legal assistance center, to show thanks to two lawyers, including Liu Zhenrong and Pu Jun, who undertook the case.
Ma XX, the defendant in the case, was a veteran, diagnosed with schizophrenia due to work, life and his own reasons. He was given death sentence with a reprieve in the first instance of Beijing No.3 Intermediate People’s Court for the crime of intentional homicide. The defendant filed an appeal, as his ability to identify and control was damaged when he committed the illegal act, and was thus rated as the limited ability for criminal responsibility. In November 2023, assigned by Beijing Legal Assistance Center to undertake the case, we arranged two experienced lawyers, including Liu Zhenrong and Pu Jun, at the earliest time possible to handle the case. After asking the parties involved about the case and carefully reading, analyzing and checking filed documents, the lawyers developed a brand-new and objective idea for defense in combination with the court trial and ruling of first instance.
Ma was poor, with parents suffering severe diseases including brain paralysis, and thus had no ability to compensate for the civil part attached to criminal proceedings of first instance. Moreover, the victim’s parents were dead, and his/her four brothers and sisters disagreed on whether and how criminal understanding opinions should be reached. To reach the purpose of benefiting both parties and promoting social harmony, the defense lawyers met the defendant three times, contacted his brother, uncle and other relatives several times, and raised funds through multiple channels. Moreover, with the consent from the judge in charge of Beijing High People's Court, they communicated with the family of the victim. They also reported the progress of the communication to the judge in charge of Beijing High People's Court several times and gained much support from the judge, who gave adequate time for consultation between the parties concerned.
In addition, the defense lawyers searched the cases related to the crime of intentional homicide committed by persons with limited ability for criminal responsibility, compiled the Selected Case Collection with nearly 80 pages, and submitted it along with the statement of defense to Beijing High People's Court.
By far, second instance trial and death penalty review results for the case were not announced yet. The family member of the defendant spoke highly of the defense lawyers for the dedication and professional ability and accomplishment they displayed in the case handling process.
For the lawyers undertaking the case, when the client delivered the silver banner, they were further aware of the responsibility in addition to recognition. The words of appreciation and silk banners not only show the trust and recognition of clients, but also serve the power driving us forward. As lawyers, we shall give full play to our professional expertise, actively fulfill our social responsibility, and act as participants in and promoters and practitioners of public welfare legal services.
