Can the parties copy the criminal case materials themselves?

The parties can't copy the criminal case materials themselves, or even read them. Only the defendant's defense lawyer can consult and copy the criminal case materials.

article 38 of the criminal procedure law stipulates that defense lawyers can consult, extract and copy the case files from the date when the people's procuratorate examines and prosecutes. Other defenders may also consult, extract and copy the above materials with the permission of the people's court or the people's procuratorate.