Once upon a time, Mulla Nasrudin was elected to the post of town judge. Taking his seat in his chambers one day at the start of a trial, Nasrudin faced the opposing lawyers.
"So," he said, "I have been presented, by both of you, with a bribe."
Both lawyers squirmed uncomfortably.
"You, Ahmed, gave me $15,000. And you, Wali, gave me $10,000."
Mulla Nasrudin reached into his pocket and pulled out a cheque. He handed it to Ahmed …"Now then, I’m returning $5,000 and, in all fairness, we’re going to decide this case solely on its merits."