A REASONABLE DOUBT
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."
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