Jury Duty
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 to
verify the act.
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 you have a reasonable doubt in this case as
to whether anyone
was killed, and I 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: "Yes, we did
look, but your client didn't."
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