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At Court
A defendant was on trial for murder. There
was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse.
In the defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his
client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for
you all," the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. "Within
one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into
this courtroom." He looked toward the courtroom door. The
jurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minute passed.
Nothing happened.
Finally the lawyer said, "Actually, I made up the previous
statement. But, you all looked on with anticipation. I therefore
put to you that you have a reasonable doubt in this case as to
whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict
of not guilty." The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate.
A few minutes later, the jury returned and pronounced a verdict
of guilty.
"But how?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have
had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door."
The jury foreman replied, "Oh, we looked, but your client
didn't."
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