The judge summoned the opposing lawyers to his chambers.
Confronting the lawyers, the judge said: “Each of you has presented me with a bribe.”
The lawyers squirmed uncomfortably.
“Mr. Hearnski, you gave me $15,000. Mr. Joy, you gave me $10,000.”
The judge then handed a check to attorney Hearnski.
“Now then, I’m returning $5,000 to Mr. Hearnski and we’ll decide this case solely on its merits!”