Too Bad I Take Things Seriously

So.

He did not completely refute the accusations, but instead chose to first "rescue" two individuals.

Actually.

The point of Qin Mu's defense...

is exploiting a legal loophole.

Although Wang Wu's actions do not constitute a crime, they are serious violations and breaches of discipline.

According to the relevant regulations.

It's inevitable to undergo double regulations or suspension for investigation.

"This... this... can such a defense be possible?"

Beside him, Zhang Wei understood Qin Mu's explanation and widened his eyes again.

He gasped in amazement.

He was truly astonished.

If this line of defense was something Qin Mu found after days of meticulous thinking, he would still accept it.

However...

From the time they received the case topic until the trial began, the time was incredibly short.

He was still in a state of confusion.

Yet Qin Mu had already gone through the case again, extracting Wang Wu and Zhang San.

With his understanding of criminal law...

The line of thought Qin Mu proposed is entirely reasonable.

Though it sounds absurd, it is logically sound from the criminal law perspective.

It's difficult for Wang Wu and Zhang San to constitute criminal offenses.

There is even less civil liability involved.

Meanwhile in the audience seats.

Acclaimed lawyers watching the spectacle couldn't sit still, and some even cursed out loud.

"Holy crap? How did he come up with this idea? Does that mean government officials can blatantly accept money?"

"I never thought of this, Qin Mu is really something!"

"Everyone, don't rush. Lawyers from Liuzhou won't be pushovers like in the first round. They won't let Qin Mu dominate them."

"It's too early to declare victory or defeat now."

"..."

The crowd, though shocked.

Quickly calmed down.

Although Qin Mu's defense approach is unconventional, Liuzhou's lawyers are five strong!

They won't be helpless.

"Boom—"

Accompanied by the sound of a gavel striking.

The Judgment Chief began solemnly, announcing, "Now summarizing the focal points of conflict between the parties, this hearing will focus on whether Zhang San and Wang Wu constitute criminal offenses."

"Now, we proceed to the evidence presentation and cross-examination phase."

The solemn voice.

Echoed through the simulated courtroom.

...

Afternoon.

Study Law Alliance Forum.

The previously quiet forum once again sprang to life.

"The second round of simulated court hearings has begun. Have you watched it? It's more thrilling this time!"

"Learned something new. Actual authority versus statutory authority, accepting money to get things done doesn't constitute a crime?"

"Why do I feel the situation is getting scarier? If he engages in corruption or bribery, would there be no traces to catch him? Even if caught, he might not constitute a crime?"

"It's terrifying when you think about it! But to be fair, with the luck of winning the lottery every time, there's no need for alternative ways to make money, right?"

"..."

Many netizens are closely following the simulated court trials.

Some enthusiasts even posted the content of the second-round case on the forum, organizing an analysis session.

But the line of thought Qin Mu proposed...

unintentionally opened a precedent.

Making them aware that...

Apparently accepting money to get things done may not constitute a crime.

As long as it's not within one's statutory authority, one can step in and help.

Additionally.

Insightful netizens have discovered a frustrating social phenomenon from this case.

It's that...

Nowadays, to expedite matters, one must somehow offer money and build connections.

Zhang San simply wanted to reclaim his rightful project funds, but they were repeatedly delayed.

Helplessly.

He resorted to bribing his way through.

It turns out.

Once the money was offered, the matter was resolved that very night.

"Our society's morals are corrupted by such individuals, no money, no service."

"Wang Wu is smart, when he can't handle it himself, he gives money to Zhao Liu, truly pragmatic."

"Hated Wang Wu as a child, envied him as we grew up, became Wang Wu in adulthood."

"Wang Wu is the real winner in life, truly remarkable to be with the police, knowing the law well, openly accepting money without repercussions!"

"Are you forgetting about double regulations?"

"..."

Inside the forum.

The topic of discussion once again diverged.

From admiring Qin Mu's brilliance, to expressing outrage at the phenomenon of accepting money for services.

Often a single remark of "Going through the process..."

takes half a year.

It's exhausting.

But sensible people often slip some money, and the matter gets done well and quickly.

"It's a pity this is just a virtual case, a simulated trial, or I'd really wish the up would crack down on this phenomenon."

"In Jin City, it's probably unlikely. Who in Jin City doesn't know the up now?"

"I strongly suggest the up come to my place; here, it's typical to not get things done without slipping money, plenty of material."

"Aren't you guys too insane? This is treating the up as a tool to cleanse social atmosphere?"

"..."

The conversation goes on.

The netizens begin to introduce themselves, offering advice and suggestions.

Suggesting Qin Mu to travel more.

Contribute more to a "harmonious society."

After all...

Everyone has seen the contributions Qin Mu made to Jin City.

A civilized city isn't something just any place can be rated as.

...

Jin City.

Retirement home.

Zhang Qingyuan, Li Weiguo, Song Tiancheng, and others gather in front of the projection screen, listening intently to Qin Mu's defense.

Beside them...

The best learner, Wan Zhongyuan, occasionally explains the situation on the field to them.

Of course.

If confronted with deep legal knowledge he doesn't understand, he chooses to search it up on the internet.

"Factual authority... statutory authority, there's such a thing."

Listening to the direction Qin Mu proposed for the defense, Wan Zhongyuan paused for a moment.

Quickly picked up his phone.

Searched for it.

Only then understood what Qin Mu meant.

If exercising statutory authority, as long as benefits are obtained, it constitutes a crime.

If exercising factual authority, improper benefits must be sought to constitute a crime.

Seeking legitimate benefits does not constitute a crime.

For example.

If Wang Wu uses his factual authority to extort 100,000 yuan from Zhao Liu, it constitutes extortion.

But if Wang Wu uses his factual authority to pressure Zhao Liu to repay the 100,000 yuan he owes him, it does not constitute any crime.

Similarly.

If Wang Wu uses his statutory authority to detain Zhao Liu and demands repayment of the 100,000 yuan he owes, it also constitutes a crime.

"So complicated?"

Zhang Qingyuan listened, bewildered, blinking his eyes.

Half the day without understanding what's going on.

Indeed, this argument is somewhat convoluted.

"Does that mean... Xiao Qin won again this time?"

Several elderly people nearby couldn't help but inquire.

"Should... maybe he can win."

Wan Zhongyuan glanced at the projection screen, murmuring.

Currently,

With Qin Mu proposing this viewpoint, the advantage should be on Qin Mu's side.

But...

Whether advancing to the third round is determined by both parties' performance scores.

If Qin Mu doesn't perform well later, it's really uncertain if he can advance.

...

Shanghai.

In the simulated courtroom.

"Judgment Chief, here is the evidence our side gathered on Zhang San giving money to Wang Wu, verified at Wang Wu's home with the numbered 100,000 yuan intact."

"Here is the evidence our side gathered on Zhao Liu receiving money."

"Here is Zhang San's statement, where he admitted to giving money to Wang Wu for help in securing engineering funds, and promised an additional 300,000 yuan once the matter is settled."

"Here is Li Si's statement, admitting to receiving a call from Zhao Liu, using it to exert pressure..."

Several lawyers from Liuzhou took a deep breath and proactively presented the relevant evidence.

And emphasized: "Our side believes Zhang San, Li Si, Wang Wu, and Zhao Liu's actions all violate relevant laws. Wang Wu and Zhao Liu, as state agency staff, knowingly break the law, which is even more malicious."

"Among them, Wang Wu, though using factual authority in handling affairs, his purpose and motive are impure, greatly harming national interests."

"Therefore..."

Three criminal lawyers unwilling to back down.

Aggressively targeted Qin Mu.

Put forward a new angle, which is legal interest.

As everyone knows.

The law is established to protect the interests of a country, society, or individual, its core philosophy is legal interest.

Criminal law is the same.

Each criminal law has legal interest it protects.

As for bribery, it safeguards national authority and the positive image of state agency staff.

And Wang Wu's actions...

Purpose and motive so impure, to evade legal punishment, chose to call Zhao Liu.

His actions severely damage national positive image.

Moreover, in criminal law.

There exists a famous theory, which is legal interest as a basis for criminal responsibility.

If damage to legal interest occurs, it can be grounds for criminal responsibility.

Wang Wu's actions indeed infringe upon legally protected interests.