A trial was scheduled in a small town, but the court clerk forgot to summon a jury panel. Rather than adjourning what he deemed an exceptionally simple case, the judge ordered the bailiff to gather enough people from the courthouse to form a jury.
The bailiff returned with a group of lawyers. The prosecutor thought it would be an interesting experiment to try the case before a jury of lawyers, and the defense counsel had no objection. Thus, a jury was impaneled.
The trial proceeded swiftly. After only an hour of testimony and brief closing arguments, both sides rested. The judge instructed the jury and sent them to deliberate.
Nearly six hours later, the judge grew concerned. The case had indeed been as simple as he expected, and he thought a verdict should have been reached in minutes. He sent the bailiff to check on the jury.
Upon returning, the judge asked, "Are they close to reaching a verdict?"
The bailiff shook his head and replied, "Your honor, they're still delivering nomination speeches for the position of foreman."