Subject: A Jury to be proud of.
> A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidence > indicating guilt, but there was no body. 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 it to you > that you have a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was > killed and I insist that you return a verdict of not guilty." > > > > > > The jury 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: "Yes, we did look, but your client didn't."
