Guilty
A defendant was on trial for murder in Philadelphia. 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 it to you that there
is 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."
Answered the jury foreman: "Oh, we
did look. But your client didn’t."
