Back in court

I saw in the news today that William Kennedy Smith (yes, those Kennedys - he's Ted's nephew) will soon be back in court defending himself.

At any rate, William Smith allegedly sexually assaulted a co-worker recently, and has resigned his job to fight the charges. You may be experiencing déjà vu: same defendant, same crime. Willie's alleged sexual behavior came to light in 1991, when he was accused of raping a woman in Palm Beach. I was living about 15 minutes south of West Palm at the time, and I vividly remember the circus that ensued. The well-meaning but hapless public prosecutor was steamrolled by Smith's gaggle of hired guns. I remember seeing him walking out of the courtroom, flashing a grin and giving the "thumbs up" sign to the media. I also remember that impudent sneer that was usually on his face - a sneer that said I'm from a powerful family. You can't touch me.

Sneer or no sneer, he was acquitted, then as per state law proceeded to recoup legal expenses from the taxpayers of Florida for the madhouse that his flying circus of lawyers helped create. Most of Palm Beach county was a madhouse during the trial: there were "look-alike" contests in bars, T-shirts for sale outside the courtroom, and at least one country song written (I'd rather go back the the beach with Willie; Than over the bridge with Ted).
See you back in court, Willie.