Once, I was called to serve on a jury. Noting that I was a psychologist, the defense attorney asked me about the “black box” of the mind. So I explained my views of the unconscious and said that because we are all motivated by unconscious desires, no one can “tell the truth” as our legal system defines it. And then I said that I could never accept the testimony of a police officer at face value because even police officers will lie in order to protect themselves. A hush fell over the courtroom.
I continued, staring at the prosecuting attorney, “Even lawyers will lie to further their careers.” Nervous giggles broke out.
I looked at the judge. “Even judges will lie if it serves their interests.” The court fell silent.
But the defense attorney smiled as he caught on to what I was saying. Still smiling, he asked me, “And so, even you are lying?”
“Yes,” I admitted, “Even I am lying.”
Of course, the prosecuting attorney threw me off the case.
