Alane's jury experience is woefully reminiscent of the trial of the LIRR Colin Ferguson who also represented himself -- with similar results. In fact, as Alane told me of her courtroom drama, it was all I could do but think of researching the crime with a law school prof or hearing of the trial on the radio from one-time counsel Ron Kuby.

What struck me from the LIRR shooter trial was the ability of a murderer to cross-examine some of his intended victims. It's nice to hear the rapists are afforded a similar courtesy.

Wikipedia, in its best deadpan, reports: "Ferguson's trial proved to be bizarre as he would be cross examining the police that arrested him and victims he shot."

Oh, what an understatement. My favorite part was how he referred to himself in the third person throughout. Classic.

Maybe his case would have gotten a bit more coverage had it not been for the uber-coverage given to the O.J. trial which was coming down at about the same time. I remember watching the O.J. verdict from the office of the New York Law Joural's owner. We all shook our heads and wondered.

Some things are just made for TV. Too bad Cleveland isn't a media town.