Article 40 of the Criminal Procedure Law: Defence lawyers may consult, extract and copy the case file from the date when the people's procuratorate examines and prosecutes the case. Other defenders may also consult, extract and copy the above materials with the permission of the people's court or the people's procuratorate. Article 37 The duty of a defender is to present materials and opinions on whether a criminal suspect or defendant is innocent, light or relieved of criminal responsibility according to facts and laws, and to safeguard the litigation rights and other legitimate rights and interests of the criminal suspect or defendant.