Closing Arguments

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 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 court room," he says as he
turns and looks toward 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 a 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 returns and a representative pronounces a
verdict of guilty.

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

Answers the jury foreman, "Oh, we did look.  But your client didn't."