Scene:
A courtroom in Oklahoma where a person is on trial for murder. There is strong evidence indicating guilt; however, there is no corpse. In the defense’s closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client is guilty and that it looks like he’ll probably be convicted, resorts to a clever trick.
“Ladies and Gentleman of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,” the lawyer says as he looks at his watch. “Within one minute, the deceased victim in this case will walk into this courtroom,” he continued looking at the courtroom door. The jury, somewhat stunned, all look eagerly. A minute passes, nothing happens. Finally the lawyer says, “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 as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty.”
The jury, clearly confused, retires to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returns and the representative pronounces a verdict of guilty.
“But how?” inquires the lawyer. “You must have some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door.” And the jury responds, “Oh, we admit that we looked, but your client didn’t!”