93: That was amazing!

Just as the Presiding Judge was about to reluctantly announce the verdict, Lei Jun's clear, cold voice rang out: "We object."

Yao Ze was stunned for a moment, then scoffed.

Hmph!

A dying struggle!

A trace of mockery even appeared on his face.

At this point, what tricks could they possibly pull?

It would only make the defeat look worse.

Lei Jun ignored him completely and looked at Lei Yue beside her.

Lei Yue nodded slightly and calmly stood up.

"Presiding Judge, Jurors."

"The defense counsel repeatedly emphasizes 'non-retroactivity of law,' attempting to artificially separate the defendant's long-term, systematic acts of abuse and killing."

"This is not only a mechanical interpretation of legal principles but also a distortion of the fundamental nature of criminal behavior."

"First, regarding the determination of continuous criminal behavior. The actions of the defendant Yao Yuan are not isolated, accidental individual incidents, but rather constitute a continuous criminal state centered on the abuse, killing, and profiteering from animals."

"From several years ago until his capture, his behavioral pattern, criminal intent, and purpose of illegal profit have been continuous and consistent."

"For criminal acts that are in a continuous state, when the harmful consequences extend past the effective date of the new law, both judicial practice and the general consensus in jurisprudence hold that the law in effect at the time the act concluded should be applied for evaluation."

"The large quantities of cat hides and frozen cat meat seized in the defendant's warehouse are irrefutable evidence that his criminal activities continued after the new law took effect, and his state of illegal profit was still being maintained!"

"These 'fruits of crime' themselves constitute a continuous infringement upon the legal interests protected by the new law!"

"Second, regarding the exception principle for legal retroactivity. China's *Legislation Law* explicitly stipulates that if a new law is enacted as a special provision to better protect the rights and interests of citizens, legal persons, and other organizations, it may be applied retroactively."

"The legislative purpose of the longcheng animal protection law is precisely to safeguard public order and good customs, protect animal welfare, and respond to the public's deep concern for the dignity of life. This fully meets the exception criteria for 'favorable retroactivity'."

"The defense counsel intentionally ignores this crucial proviso, which constitutes a one-sided interpretation of the legal system."

"Third, concerning the chain of evidence. The defense counsel challenges the completeness of the evidence and the procedure for obtaining it. We ask the court to note that the physical evidence, chat records, transaction records, and witness testimonies seized by the police at the defendant's residence and warehouse have formed a complete evidence loop."

"This clearly outlines the defendant's long-term, large-scale chain of animal abuse and killing for the purpose of profit."

"The ambiguity regarding the timing of some evidence points does not affect the determination of the overall criminal facts, nor does it constitute a major procedural flaw. The defense counsel's attempt to negate the validity of the entire body of evidence using technical details is an attempt to mislead the public."

Lei Yue's arguments were layered, progressive, and logically rigorous.

Every sentence was like a heavy hammer, precisely striking the weak points and logical fallacies in Yao Ze's defense structure.

The legal provisions, judicial interpretations, and authoritative precedents she cited far surpassed the precision and depth of Yao Ze's earlier statements.

How is that possible?

How... how could she... Cold sweat instantly beaded on Yao Ze's temples, and the back of his shirt immediately became damp.

He was gripped by panic.

How could the female lawyer opposite him be so experienced and shrewd!

His mind raced, trying to find an entry point for rebuttal, but he found that the legal framework the opponent had constructed was impenetrable; every argument was grounded in higher legal principles and more thorough theoretical analysis.

It's over... he hit a steel plate!

Who exactly is this woman?

Yao Yuan watched his cousin's increasingly pale face and continuous cold sweat, and his heart leaped into his throat.

Why isn't Cousin speaking?

Why isn't he refuting her?

He, too, began to panic.

How could Cousin be unable to argue against this woman?

No way!

Is Cousin really not a match for this woman right here?

Impossible!

The live stream comments instantly reversed, and the audience went wild.

"Holy crap, that's awesome! This female lawyer is too powerful!"

"It's a reversal, definitely a reversal! She rendered Yao Ze speechless!"

"Hahaha, wasn't Yao Ze acting all arrogant just now? Why is he sweating profusely and silent now?"

"Yao Ze is trash, can't even argue against a woman!"

"Don't rush, Attorney Yao is thinking of a countermeasure, he'll strike back soon!"

"Who is this female lawyer? Her skill absolutely crushes Yao Ze!"

"That's so satisfying, it should be this way! Let's see if that idiot Yao Yuan can still smile!"

The negative emotions of worry and anxiety previously felt by Tony, Qin Yu, and the others were swept away, replaced by happiness and excitement.

They hadn't expected Lei Yue to be so formidable, that even the powerful Yao Ze was no match for her.

They finally understood why Lei Jun wasn't worried at all.

Attorney Lei Yue's skill level was simply unfathomable!

The Presiding Judge suddenly sat up straight.

Brilliant!

Absolutely brilliant!

This female lawyer's grasp of the theory of continuous crime, the application of the 'favorable retroactivity' principle, and her control over the entire chain of evidence perfectly struck the jurisprudential core of this case!

Her skill level was far above Yao Ze's!

The Jurors were incredibly excited.

This was truly high-level courtroom debate!

It went straight to the essence, with impeccable logic!

Yao Ze's technique of exploiting loopholes was instantly defeated when faced with true jurisprudential height!

We're impressed!

In all their years of practice, they had rarely seen a lawyer who could apply legal theory so thoroughly.

Yao Ze is probably going to lose!

The Presiding Judge composed himself, turning his gaze toward the sweating Yao Ze: "Defense counsel for the defendant, do you need to respond to the opinions presented by the plaintiff's representative?"

Yao Ze opened his mouth, but his throat felt completely clogged.

Finally, under the gaze of countless eyes, he shook his head dejectedly, unable to utter a single word.

Frustrated and miserable.

Lei Yue applied to speak again to the Presiding Judge and was granted permission.

Using impeccable logic, she listed the evidence one by one, concluding with a clear and definite recommendation.

"In conclusion, the defendant Yao Yuan's actions involve particularly egregious circumstances and have extremely negative social consequences. We respectfully request the court to sentence him to the maximum penalty stipulated by the relevant provisions of the longcheng animal protection law, which is three years of fixed-term imprisonment."

The Presiding Judge's gaze turned once more to Yao Ze: "Defense counsel for the defendant, do you need to respond to the sentencing recommendation?"

Yao Ze's throat was dry, and his mind was blank.

Respond?

What else could he respond with?

All loopholes were sealed, and all paths for rebuttal were blocked.

He felt an unprecedented sense of powerlessness, shaking his head dejectedly, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth: "N-no."

Finally, the Presiding Judge solemnly pronounced the verdict: "The defendant Yao Yuan is found guilty of the crime of animal cruelty, with particularly severe circumstances, and is sentenced to three years of fixed-term imprisonment!"

Yao Yuan's fingernails dug tightly into his palms.

He sank into despair.

He lost?

He actually lost?