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 toward the door with anticipation. I therefore put to
you that you have a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was
actually 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 alright, but your
client didn't."
