"Today, the Second Criminal Court of the Jin City Court is holding a public trial for the defamation case brought by plaintiff Qin Mu against defendant Han Suiyue and 60 others."
In the courtroom, Zhou Quanmin looked at the densely packed 56 defendants below and took a deep breath.
He struck the gavel.
"BANG—"
"The court is now officially in session!"
He scanned the crowd below. Once again, according to procedure, he announced the court rules.
"All personnel must obey the commands of the Judgment Chief or the sole presiding judge during court proceedings. They must also respect judicial etiquette and adhere to court discipline.
First, no clapping or loud talking.
Second, no smoking or eating.
Third, no making or answering phone calls.
...
Sixth, no recording, videotaping, photographing, or using mobile communication devices to disseminate court activities.
Seventh, no endangering court safety or disrupting court order.
