Fantastic Fables, Ambrose Bierce: The Tried Assassin

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

The Tried Assassin

AN Assassin being put upon trial in a New England court, his Counsel rose and said: "Your Honour, I move for a discharge on the ground of 'once in jeopardy': my client has been already tried for that murder and acquitted."

"In what court?" asked the Judge.

"In the Superior Court of San Francisco," the Counsel replied.

"Let the trial proceed - your motion is denied," said the Judge. "An Assassin is not in jeopardy when tried in California."