If you’ve ever had to sit on a jury during the trial, you realize that it can be difficult on a number of levels. Not only do you have to focus and pay attention to everything that is taking place so that you can make a good judgment, in the end, you also are faced with the possibility that your judgment may not be correct. The lawyers will do everything that they can to sway you in their direction but sometimes, they take you down the right path. In the following story, a lawyer does something that the jury will never forget.
A defendant was on trial for murder in Philadelphia. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no body.
In the defenses 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.”
