We have all heard the story of the defendant who is on trial for murder, but despite months of investigation, the police never recovered the victim’s body. So, in the defense attorney’s closing statement, he devises a clever ploy. While addressing the jury he says, “Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you. Momentarily, the presumed murder victim will actually walk into this courtroom!” And with that, he points to the courtroom door.
Immediately, everyone in the courtroom turns to the door in great anticipation. Yet, a couple of minutes pass, and nothing happens. Finally, the lawyer turns toward the jury smiling and says, “the truth is, the presumed murder victim will not be walking through the door, I made that up. However, everyone here looked on with great anticipation, expecting the victim to walk through the door. That means you must have reasonable doubt as to whether anyone was ever killed in this case, so I must insist you return a verdict of Not Guilty!”
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
