Clever Jury...

The Jury...







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 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 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."