A defendant in a lawsuit involving large sums of money was
talking to his lawyer. "If I lose this case, I'll be
ruined."
"It's in the judge’s hands now," said the lawyer.
The defendant continued, "Would it help if I sent the judge a
box of cigars?"
"Oh no!" replied his lawyer, "This judge is a stickler or
ethical behavior. A stunt like that would prejudice him against
you. He might even hold you in contempt of court. In fact, you
shouldn't even smile at the judge."
Within the course of time, the judge rendered a decision in
favor of the defendant.
As the
defendant left the courthouse, he said to his lawyer,
"Thanks for the tip about the cigars. It worked! I'm sure we
would have lost the case if I'd sent them."
"I sent him some cigars anyway," said the lawyer.
"What?? You did???"
"Yes. That’s how we won the case."
"I don't understand," said the defendant.
The lawyer explained: "It's easy. I sent the cigars to the
judge, but enclosed the plaintiff’s business card."
