Legal analysis: It is up to the parties to decide whether to hire a lawyer for a death penalty review. If a lawyer is hired to serve as a defender, the Supreme People's Court will listen to the opinions of the defense lawyer.
Legal basis: "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China and the State"
Article 250: When reviewing a death penalty case, the Supreme People's Court shall approve or disapprove the death penalty If the death penalty is not approved, the Supreme People's Court may remand the case for retrial or change the sentence.
Article 251: The Supreme People's Court shall interrogate the defendant if the defender requests it. Hear the opinions of the defender. During the review of a death penalty case, the Supreme People's Court may submit its opinions to the Supreme People's Court. The Supreme People's Court shall notify the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the results of the death penalty review.