A defendant was on trial for murder in Oklahoma. There was strong
evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse.

In the defense’s closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client
would probably be convicted, resorted to a 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 courtroom."

He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned,
all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.

Murphy, a dishonest lawyer, bribed a man on his client's jury
to hold out for a charge of manslaughter, as opposed to the
charge of murder which was brought by the state.

The jury was out for several days before they returned with
the manslaughter verdict.

When Murphy paid the corrupt juror, he asked him if he had
a very difficult time persuading the other jurors to see
things his way.

"Sure did," the juror replied, "the other eleven wanted
to acquit."