The final statements

He had lost it. Completely lost it.

Li Mo had no idea how to describe what he was feeling.

He had just pointed out that the other side's witness might have mental health issues, and instead of debating that point...

Su Bai had turned around and produced a whole stack of witness statements?

How could you be so damn underhanded?!

This is ridiculous!

Li Mo had handled countless lawsuits, but he had never seen anything like this!

He was having a complete meltdown!

A smile played at the corners of Su Bai's lips as he silently watched Li Mo unravel. Weren't you acting awfully cocky?

Didn't you think you could keep debating me?

I simply won't debate you. You say this witness might have mental health issues, but what about the others?

Surely you can't say that about all of them?

Go on, then.

Come on, keep acting cocky! Weren't you full of sneers and sarcasm?

Weren't you so impressive when the reporters interviewed you outside the courthouse?

Didn't you look down on my White Jun Law Firm for specializing in marriage counseling?

What's wrong with marriage counseling?!

I can still leave you completely lost in a criminal case!

Noticing Su Bai's gaze, Li Mo nearly lost all composure. He desperately wanted to swear at him, but he held back. At the very least, he could not swear in court.

The hearing was being livestreamed, too.

If he did swear, not only would Nandu Bank's reputation be ruined, but he would also become infamous throughout the legal profession-or, rather, suffer utter public humiliation.

He might even become a classic cautionary example in legal teaching materials.

His disgrace could live on in legal casebooks for a thousand years!

The thought of that outcome instantly calmed Li Mo down. He composed himself and lowered his head to study his documents.

Su Bai smiled slightly and continued, "Your Honor, the evidence in our possession sufficiently demonstrates that the bank does not protect its customers' property.

"Therefore, we request that the argument just presented by counsel for the defendant, Nandu Bank, be dismissed."

Bang!

Yu Caixia struck her gavel.

"The grounds for the plaintiff's application are rejected."

"Basis for rejection: banks have a legal obligation to safeguard their customers' property. The evidence presented by the plaintiff is not generally representative."

"The requested relief is granted."

"Basis for granting relief: the defendant, Nandu Bank, failed to fulfill its duty to ensure the safety of its customers."

By the time she struck the gavel, Yu Caixia had clearly explained the reasoning behind her ruling.

Some viewers who were unfamiliar with the law did not understand what this meant and raised the question in the livestream.

"Teacher Luo, what does it mean when she rejects it and grants it at the same time?"

"Exactly. I'm completely confused."

"Could you explain it, Teacher Luo?"

Legal commentator Luo Daxiang smiled slightly and explained Yu Caixia's ruling.

"The plaintiff's grounds were rejected because the grounds and evidence they presented suggested that banks have no responsibility to protect their customers' property.

"But the law requires banks to safeguard their customers' property on bank premises.

"The fact that Nandu Bank won lawsuits against customers who suffered losses does not make those cases universally representative. If she had accepted those grounds, she would have been ruling that banks have no responsibility to protect their customers' property.

"But if she had rejected the request outright, that would overlook the fact that Nandu Bank failed to fulfill its obligations in the matter being debated.

"So what could she do?

"Presiding Judge Yu Caixia handled this very cleverly.

"She rejected the grounds put forward by the plaintiff, upholding the authority of the law.

"She granted the requested relief, making it clear that Nandu Bank had indeed fallen short.

"Nandu Bank took the wrong approach to its arguments from the very beginning of this case. It fell straight into the other side's line of argument."

Luo Daxiang shook his head slightly. "I'm afraid Nandu Bank is going to lose this case!"

"Hahaha, Nandu Bank's going to lose? If Teacher Luo says they're going to lose, they're probably beyond saving!"

"Absolutely! Just look at who Teacher Luo is!"

Luo Daxiang smiled at the comments. "All right, this case is almost over. Let's watch the final statements from both sides and hear the judgment."

"Can't wait!"

"Can't wait! +1"

In the courtroom, Li Mo raised his hand to challenge Yu Caixia's ruling.

"Your Honor has not yet allowed me to continue explaining my position! I request that the previous ruling be invalidated!"

Yu Caixia said, "The application is denied."

Li Mo: ????

What do you mean, denied?

"Your Honor, may I ask why my application has been denied?"

Yu Caixia said, "The ruling has already been issued, and the defendant has been informed that the application is denied. If the defendant insists on pursuing the application, you may request an administrative review after the hearing. For now, the application is denied."

"If counsel for the defendant continues discussing this issue, he will receive a second warning!"

Li Mo looked toward the presiding judge, feeling as though he had all the strength in the world but nowhere to use it. Nearly choking on his frustration, he slowly forced out a few words.

"Yes, Your Honor."

Yu Caixia glanced impassively toward the defendant's side, where Li Mo sat, then looked at Su Bai and struck her gavel.

"The plaintiff and defendant will now deliver their final statements to the court."

"Counsel for the plaintiff, Su Bai, please deliver your final statement."

"Yes, Your Honor."

The key to a closing statement was whether it could move the judge. Su Bai had prepared for this well in advance.

An emotional appeal?

Not a chance.

As long as this case was decided properly, they would not lose!

Wang Li would receive a lighter sentence.

From what he had previously learned about Yu Caixia, this presiding judge placed the greatest emphasis on interpreting the law. In other words, the statutory provisions were paramount.

Su Bai slowly rose to his feet.

"Your Honor, members of the bench."

"In light of our submitted claims and the evidence presented in court, we have nothing further to add."

"All I wish to say is that justice under the law will neither wrongly condemn a good person nor wrongly judge a bad one.

"I hope the court will follow the proper legal procedure and remain true to its oath."

Yu Caixia looked at Su Bai with satisfaction and nodded slightly.

"The plaintiff's statement is concluded. The defendant may now deliver its statement."

Li Mo knew.

This closing statement was Nandu Bank's last chance, because he could sense that this lawsuit was taking an unfavorable turn.

Li Mo slowly stood. "Your Honor, members of the bench."

"In this case, our client, Nandu Bank, is the victim. I believe there is nothing wrong with human compassion, but the law is impartial.

"Our client, Nandu Bank, is, after all, the victim. The plaintiff's demand that we, the injured party, pay compensation is wholly inappropriate."

"That concludes my statement."

After listening to Li Mo's statement, Yu Caixia looked impassively at Wang Li, the party seated directly opposite the bench.

"Please deliver your final statement."

Wang Li looked up at the raised bench, then glanced toward Su Bai.

"Your Honor, members of the bench, I have no objections to this hearing. I am willing to accept whatever judgment is handed down."

"The statements are concluded. Court is now adjourned for thirty minutes. We will reconvene in thirty minutes to announce the judgment."

Yu Caixia struck her gavel, and the court went into recess.

(End of chapter)