A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strongevidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In thedefense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that hisclient would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for youall," the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. "Within oneminute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk intothis courtroom." He looked toward the courtroom door. Thejurors, somewhat stunned, all looked on eagerly. A minutepassed. Nothing happened.

Finally the lawyer said, "Actually, I made up the previousstatement. But, you all looked on with anticipation. Itherefore put to you that you have a reasonable doubt in thiscase as to whether anyone was killed and insist that youreturn a verdict of not guilty." The jury, clearly confused,retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returnedand pronounced a verdict of guilty.

"But how?" inquired the lawyer. "You must have had somedoubt; I saw all of you stare at the door."

The jury foreman replied, "Oh, we looked, but your clientdidn't."