Capital defence extends beyond providing legal assistance in individual cases—it requires a robust support system that, in many Asian countries, remains underdeveloped or insufficient. In many Asian jurisdictions, the absence of well-established support structures places an excessive burden on individual lawyers, making it essential for legal practitioners to advocate for a more robust and sustainable framework. Lawyers should take an active role in fostering cooperation with civil society organisations, professional associations, and other stakeholders to address systemic gaps, improve legal frameworks, and ensure that capital defence aligns with international human rights standards. A well-functioning ecosystem must connect legal practitioners with mitigation experts, forensic specialists, mental health professionals, and other relevant experts, ensuring access to the multidisciplinary support necessary for building a strong defence. Additionally, lawyers should work to strengthen professional networks that facilitate the exchange of lessons learned, consolidate best practices, and promote ongoing professional development. By encouraging collaboration among these actors, lawyers can contribute to a more just and equitable system that prioritises the dignity, rights, and fair trial protections of all individuals facing the death penalty. Access to Documents and Evidence 17. Lawyers must have the unequivocal right to immediate and comprehensive access to all relevant documentation throughout all stages of the legal process. This includes, but is not limited to, investigation records or reports, interrogation logs, medical reports, forensic analyses, evidence collection logs, and other case-related materials. Such access is indispensable for lawyers to adequately prepare a thorough and effective defence, safeguarding the rights of clients and ensuring adherence to international human rights standards. Access to pre-trial documentation is particularly critical for identifying and addressing procedural violations, such as coercion, unlawful evidence-gathering practices, and other forms of misconduct. Early access empowers lawyers to challenge the admissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence, construct credible defence strategies, and uphold their clients’ right to a fair trial. Moreover, it serves as a systemic safeguard against abuse, promoting accountability and reinforcing the integrity of the justice system. Relevant authorities have a binding obligation to provide such access promptly and without unnecessary hindrance, recognising that delays or denials can critically undermine the fairness of proceedings and the client’s ability to mount a robust legal challenge. Transparency in evidence-sharing is not merely a procedural necessity but a cornerstone of fair trial rights, essential in capital cases. Ensuring unimpeded access to case documentation strengthens the credibility of the justice system, affirms due process guarantees, and safeguards against wrongful convictions or unfair sentencing. 18. Lawyers must also facilitate access to case-related information for their clients’ families, enabling them to support the legal process effectively. Such facilitation, however, must be conducted with strict adherence to confidentiality protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Lawyers should strike a careful balance between providing families with meaningful participation in the case and protecting March 2025 11