Chapter 654: Chapter 246: Discussions in the Collegiate Panel, The Verdict is Out!_3

Seeing this, Zhang Wei felt a weight lift from his heart.

After a full half-hour, all 65 people had successively completed their statements, all according to his instructions.

"We should be in the clear now," Wang Dachui, who was standing to the side, said with a joyful expression, unable to hold back.

Zhang Wei nodded. Although Zhao Dezhu and the others’ sentence reduction might fail, the odds of winning the latter part of the case were still quite high.

As long as they can present a compelling case, they could smoothly enter the Zizhou market and open a branch there, Zhang Wei thought.

Jin City, he mused, with its steadily decreasing crime rate, fewer criminal and civil cases, and improving public order, is no longer suitable for opening a law firm.

BANG—

In the courtroom, after everyone had finished their statements, the Judgment Chief announced, "The hearing of this case is hereby concluded for now. Court is adjourned for half an hour."

With that, he stood up and led the other six members of the judicial panel out of the courtroom and into the conference room behind it.

「In the conference room.」

Once all seven were seated, the Judgment Chief looked at the others and asked, "Let’s discuss it. What are your thoughts on the case so far?"

By this point in the proceedings, they had a fairly complete understanding of the case. There were no outstanding questions; the facts regarding the theft and sale of the pumpkins were clear, and the evidence was conclusive.

However, this case was rather unusual. It was a typical example of crimes committed by the elderly. If the judgment were biased, it could easily trigger unnecessary public controversy.

"The ages of these elderly individuals... they’re all in their seventies or eighties," one of the judges pointed out, raising his head. "And there’s a significant number of them, over one hundred."

This was the crux of the matter. If they were all sentenced collectively, it could cause a significant public stir.

"What difference does the large number make? Which law states that the law does not punish the masses?" another judge retorted with a frown and a scoff.

The saying "the law does not punish the masses" was merely a popular misconception. Those unfamiliar with the law often believed that their sheer numbers would prevent them from being apprehended. It was precisely this mentality that emboldened them to gather and cause disturbances, disregarding the law and its consequences.

"That may be true, but our culture has always emphasized respecting the old and cherishing the young. When it comes to the elderly..." That same judge gave a wry, somewhat helpless smile.

Respect for the elderly had become an established societal norm and consensus. Even legally, there is preferential treatment for individuals over the age of seventy-five.

"However, this incident is quite egregious," the Judgment Chief interjected, cutting off the two debating judges, his voice stern. "Zhao Dezhu and the other elderly individuals have repeatedly ignored warnings and are incorrigible. They targeted Hu Wenning’s pumpkin patch multiple times, stealing pumpkins, and even went as far as taking them openly in broad daylight."

Before the court hearing, he had thoroughly familiarized himself with the case details and its progression. In Zhaojia Village, Zhao Dezhu and the other seniors were extremely overbearing, especially Zhao Dezhu himself, who had frequently clashed with villagers from other areas. In his youth, he had accumulated a number of criminal records.

Moreover, just moments ago in court, Zhao Dezhu’s demeanor was entirely indifferent, an expression of utter disregard for the proceedings. He showed no respect whatsoever for the court or the law, as if the trial did not concern him at all.

"Crimes committed by juveniles and the elderly have always been a significant focus of our punitive measures," the Judgment Chief continued, surveying the others gravely. "While we must certainly protect these groups, it is even more crucial to emphasize warnings and prevention."

"Once they commit a crime, we, as legal professionals, must establish the correct precedents and guidance to prevent future offenses, rather than tolerating or abetting such behavior."

"If we continue to indulge them, inevitably there will be those who imitate, thinking that the elderly have privileges allowing them to disregard the law."

"Over time, people like Zhao Dezhu will become more and more common."

Zhao Dezhu was a repeat offender. In court, he disregarded legal decorum, and his attitude was exceedingly arrogant. This behavior stemmed precisely from the fact that previous punishments had been too lenient, or perhaps entirely absent.

The criminal law needs to protect the elderly, but it should not be just for show!

"The Judgment Chief is correct; I agree wholeheartedly. Recently, our crime rate in Zizhou has significantly increased, and this includes a notable number of crimes committed by the elderly," another judge commented.

"Indeed, when dealing with crimes committed by the elderly, punishment should be secondary to prevention and warnings. We must enhance outreach and legal education so that the elderly understand the law."

"Compared to Jin City, public safety in Zizhou lags far behind. I visited Jin City recently; their court cases are decreasing while ours are rising to the point where we’re nearly overwhelmed."

"Regarding sentencing for the elderly, they would inevitably be placed in special prison wards for the elderly and infirm. I believe probation is more suitable for them."

The members of the judicial panel spoke one after another, freely expressing their views and voicing their individual concerns.

Zizhou’s crime rate remained high, while neighboring cities were already applying for "model city" status. Meanwhile, their own caseload was mounting, becoming overwhelming.

Considering the sentencing for Zhao Dezhu and the others, after thorough deliberation, they decided to grant probation to all of them.

Imprisoning all 113 elderly individuals would have a significant societal impact. Besides, given their advanced age, they would likely be assigned to special prison wards for the elderly and infirm, essentially receiving palliative care, which would offer little in terms of reform or deterrence.

Probation, on the other hand, would involve assigning them to their respective correctional communities for ideological and behavioral reform. This community-based correction was, in fact, stricter, requiring daily reports on their activities and regular visits to the judicial office. It was deemed more suitable for these elderly individuals.