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.”
