Under the watchful eyes of the public, Bruce Wayne was led out by prison guards and seated at the defendant's table. Several camera lenses were trained on the world-famous billionaire and renowned city hero—Batman.
At that moment, more than two hundred million people were following the live trial through their televisions and phone screens.
The trial began. The prosecution presented its investigation findings and indictment, charging Bruce Wayne with second-degree murder. They played the parking lot fight footage in court, then displayed evidence such as photographs of bloodstains and the steel pipe that had supposedly taken Edward's life.
In the United States, murder was divided into first-degree and second-degree murder. First-degree murder emphasized "premeditation," as well as killings committed during arson, rape, robbery, burglary, or kidnapping.
Batman's case clearly did not qualify as first-degree murder.
Second-degree murder referred to an intentional killing that had not been planned or deliberated beforehand, including intending to seriously injure someone and causing their death as a result.
Batman's situation in the parking lot clearly fell within the scope of second-degree murder, and everyone present largely agreed with the prosecution's charge.
After the prosecutor finished, the judge looked toward the defense attorney's seat. "Defense counsel, is there anything you wish to say?"
Jiang Hao stood up. He first nodded respectfully to the judge, then gave Bruce Wayne, behind the railings, a nod. He looked extremely confident.
"I intend to have my client plead guilty to second-degree murder and receive a twenty-year sentence. May I ask whether Your Honor can reduce the sentence?"
Jiang Hao said.
Buzz!
The courtroom erupted.
"Is he surrendering right away?"
"What kind of defense attorney is this? How could he plead guilty in court? What's the point of having a lawyer, then?"
"Batman's actions were righteous. He shouldn't have to spend