A young trial lawyer was hired to defend a man caught red-handed committing burglary. The young attorney was particularly known for being witty and the judge was well aware of his reputation and was anxious to see what creative defense strategy the young man will use.
The judge didn't have to wait long as the young lawyer pleaded guilty on his client's behalf but quickly argued, "While my client admits he did, in fact, reach his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. However his arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offense committed by just his limb."
“Well put,” the judge replied, thinking he had the perfect retort, "Using your logic, I sentence the defendant’s arm to one year’s imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he so chooses."
The defendant smiled. With his lawyer’s assistance he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.
