Murder Conviction
By 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 did look, but your client didn’t.”