The Right to an Attorney

[phkrause]

Chaim Yankel, Chelm’s local thief was caught red handed by a police officer in the very act of burglarizing a store. He was quickly brought to trial.

“How do you plead?” asked the judge.

“Your honor,” answered Chaim Yankel, “before I plead guilty or not guilty I ask that the court kindly appoint a lawyer to defend me.”

“Chaim Yankel you were caught in the actual commission of a crime. What could any lawyer possibly say in your defense?”

That’s exactly my point, your honor,” said Chaim Yankel. “I’m curious also to hear what he could possibly say!”