The Tried Assassin

by Ambrose Bierce

　　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."