A certain man whose previous record was of the best was charged with a
minor offense. Law and evidence were unquestionably on the side of the
defense, but when the arguments had been concluded a verdict of "guilty"
was given and a fine imposed.
The lawyer for the defense was sitting with his back toward the
magistrate. Without changing his position or rising to address the
court, he remarked:
"Judge, please fine me for contempt of court."
The magistrate inquired:
"What d'ye mean, sir? You haven't committed contempt."
"I have," came from the old lawyer. "It's silent."