In a criminal justice system based on 12 individuals not smart enough to get out of jury duty, here is a jury to be
proud of:
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 the following:
"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 this up. However, you all looked on with anticipation. I, therefore, put it to you that you have reasonable doubt as to whether anyone was killed, and I urge that you return a verdict of not guilty."
The jury then retired to deliberate. Yet a few minutes later, the jury returned and instead pronounced a verdict of guilty.
"But how?" inquired the lawyer afterwards to the jury foreperson. "You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door."
The jury foreperson replied, "Yes, we did look...But your client didn't."
Keep smiling
Tug