At the Judges' Bench.
In the Presiding Judge's seat.
Faced with Su Bai's renewed statement, Guan Dongfeng fell silent for several seconds.
What could he say about this case?
There had been no major problem with imposing the death penalty at first instance.
But this was the second instance now.
Could he deliver a verdict?
The current evidence allowed for a verdict, but it would leave grounds for criticism.
This put Guan Dongfeng in a dilemma.
At the same time... as for how Meng Ziyi had given his account, the full circumstances of the case, and where the evidence had come from, to be honest...
Guan Dongfeng did not particularly care.
He only knew that all the evidence and suspicions pointed to Meng Ziyi, making him the prime suspect, and that there was actual evidence to support this.
The court only needed to rule on the evidence.
Whether coercion or other conduct had been involved was outside the court's jurisdiction.
Noticing Su Bai's resolute gaze, Guan Dongfeng knew full well.
Forcing this trial forward would be somewhat troublesome.
And so...
He struck the gavel.
"The Collegial Panel needs to discuss the matters raised by the defendant."
"The court is now adjourned."
"The hearing will resume in half an hour."
"..."
An adjournment.
In the courtroom, Su Bai let out a soft breath. This trial concerned whether Meng Ziyi would receive the death penalty.
Or a death sentence with reprieve.
How should he put it...
Judging from the current situation, the Collegial Panel and the high court certainly wanted to find Meng Ziyi guilty.
Because all the current suspicions pointed to Meng Ziyi.
However...
The absence of the crucial murder weapon and physical evidence had forced the hearing to pause.
Beside him, Li Xuezhen whispered, "Lawyer Su... will Meng Ziyi be