English Original
A judge in a small city was hearing a drunk-driving case. The defendant, who had a record and a reputation for driving under the influence, demanded a jury trial. It was nearly 4 p.m., and assembling a jury would take time. So, the judge called a recess and went into the hall to find anyone available for jury duty. In the main lobby, he found a dozen lawyers and informed them they were now the jury.
The lawyers, intrigued by this novel experience, followed the judge back to the courtroom. The trial concluded in about ten minutes, as the defendant's guilt was clear. The jury retired to the deliberation room, the judge prepared to go home, and everyone waited for the verdict.
After nearly three hours, the judge lost all patience and sent the bailiff to check on the delay. When the bailiff returned, the judge asked, "Well, have they reached a verdict yet?"
The bailiff shook his head and replied, "Verdict? They're still giving nominating speeches for the foreman's position!"
中文翻译
一个小城市的法官正在审理一起酒后驾车案。被告有酒驾前科和不良名声，但他要求陪审团审判。当时已近下午四点，召集陪审团需要时间。于是法官宣布休庭，到大厅里寻找任何可以担任陪审员的人。他在主厅发现了十二名律师，并告知他们现在就是陪审团。
律师们觉得这是一次新奇的经历，便跟着法官回到了法庭。审判大约十分钟就结束了，因为被告的罪行显而易见。陪审团进入评议室，法官准备回家，所有人都在等待裁决。
将近三个小时后，法官完全失去了耐心，派法警去查看裁决为何迟迟未出。法警回来后，法官问道：“那么，他们作出裁决了吗？”
法警摇摇头回答：“裁决？天哪，他们还在为陪审团主席的职位发表提名演讲呢！”