ABSTRACT
This article describes and analyses the problems of China's criminal defence lawyers in gaining access to and representing detained clients during the investigation, indictment and trial stages of the criminal process, with brief reference to problems at the appeal arid post-conviction stages. The article also discusses the harassment and intimidation suffered by defence counsel who live under threat of prosecution for waging too vigorous defences and who are subject to other restraints and sanctions. It concludes with some suggestions for foreign co-operation with and support for these embattled but essential lawyers in China.
