Qin Ma. “Who are the Chinese Sǐkē (Diehard) Lawyers?—A Belated Clarification.” China Law and Society Review, vol. 10, no. 1 (2025): 1-50.
This article explores the emergence and evolution of Sǐkē lawyers, a distinctive group of Chinese criminal defense lawyers who rose to prominence around 2009. Known for their zealous advocacy, emphasis on procedural rights, and willingness to employ unconventional tactics such as public exposure and collective action, Sǐkē lawyers represent a transformative force within China’s tightly controlled legal system. Through interviews, case studies, media analysis, and participatory observation, the paper offers both a macro- and micro-level analysis of this group. It distinguishes Sǐkē lawyers from traditional defense lawyers, human rights lawyers, and Weiquan (rights-protection) lawyers by highlighting their adversarial style and pragmatic focus, which often avoids overt political framing. At the same time, the study identifies four internal subtypes within the Sǐkē community, using personal narratives to underscore the group’s internal diversity. Despite operating in a repressive political and legal environment, Sǐkē lawyers have managed to carve out space for criminal defense advocacy, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of legal resistance in authoritarian regimes and reveals how lawyers can innovate and persist even within restricted judicial spaces.