Supposedly a true story… [Ed: But reportedly from the movie, From the Hip]

Scene: A court room in Oklahoma where a person is on trial for murder.
There is strong evidence indicating guilt; however, there is no corpse.

In the defenses closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client is
guilty and that it looks like hell probably be convicted, resorts to a clever
trick.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all, the lawyer
says as he looks at his watch. Within 1 minute, the person presumed dead in
this case will walk into this court room, he says and he looks toward the
courtroom door. The jury, somewhat stunned, all look on 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 in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that
you return a verdict of not guilty.

The jury, clearly confused, retires to deliberate.

A very few minutes later, the jury 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 representative: Oh, we did look. But your client didnt.