c’est la vie

Just read an interesting story and would like to share.

In a small village where everyone knew each other.  One day, a gangster shot one of his rivals dead after an argument in a bar.  When the case went to court, the defendant instructed the defence counsel to ensure a verdict of second degree homicide, instead of a murder, at whatever cost.

At that time, murder would result to a death sentence.

The lawyer presented the jury with a pile of banknotes and told the jury that ONLY second degree homicide was the result they look for.  The trial proceeded as scheduled and the defendant wore a smile of confidence on face in the court.  After all cross-examinations, the jury recessed from court for a verdict. 

It took hours and hours and both the defendant and the defence counsel became nurvous.  Eventually the jury came back and announced their verdict of second degree homicide.

The defendant was satisfied.

Thereafter, the defence counsel took another pile of banknotes to the foreman of the jury, and asked why the verdict had been taking so long.

The foreman replied, "You were right that achieving that verdict was by no mean easy.  Each and every one of jurors knew and hated the dead man and wanted to acquit your client!"

(summarised from "Tales from No.9 Ice House Street", Patrick Yu)

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