Crime & Federalism

I was in the chambers of a federal court judge this afternoon with F. Lee Bailey, who, although not practicing law, finds himself in the thick of things. (Ask for more details, and I will not divulge them.)

Once our business was complete, talk turned to an autographed photograph of Willie Mays on one of the judge's bookshelves.

"Did you know, your honor, that thanks to Willie Mays, O.J. Simpson turned away from a life of crime and became a famous athlete?" Bailey said to the judge.

Before a thought could form in the judge's mind, I found my hand on Bailey's shoulder and said the following:

"Did you know, judge, that thanks to F. Lee Bailey, O. J. Simpson is not a murderer?"

It was the only time I have ever seen Bailey tongued-tied, even if only for an instant.