The trial of George Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, started off with a joke.
A murder trial might seem like an odd place for knock-knock quips, but that didn't stop Zimmerman's defense attorney Don West from displaying his best courtroom comedy skills.
Speaking to the jury during opening statements, West explained, "sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." He went on to say, "so let me, at considerable risk, let me, let me say, I'd like to tell you a little joke. I know how that may sound a bit weird in this context under these circumstances. But I think you're the perfect audience for it. As long as you, uh, don't, if you don't like it, or you don't think it's funny or inappropriate, that you don't hold it against Mr. Zimmerman. You can hold it against me if you want, but not Mr. Zimmerman. I have your assurance you won't. Here's how it goes..."
And with that, West unleashed his inner comedian:
"Knock-knock."
"Who's there?"
"George Zimmerman."
"George Zimmerman, who?"
"Alright good. You're on the jury."
West's dry joke was greeted with stony silence.
"Nothing?" asked West, eliciting a few laughs. "That's funny."
Let's hope West has some better material planned for his next appearance at The Laugh Factory.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE (via HLN)