Friday, April 27, 2007

The Bible as Get Out of Jail Free Card

Ohio Judge Frees Man After Bible Quiz

(AP) CINCINNATI A man arrested on Wednesday for allegedly trying to use a stolen credit card at a drugstore got a break from a judge after passing a sort of Bible quiz.

When Eric Hine appeared in court this morning, his attorney described him as a church-goer, hoping the judge would set a low bond.

Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge John Burlew was skeptical and asked Hine to recite the 23rd Psalm.

He did: all six verses. Some in the courtroom applauded.

Burlew was satisfied and released Hine on a $10,0000 appearance bond, meaning he'll have to pay that amount if he doesn't show up for his next court date.

3 comments:

Rich said...

It's a wacky story, but judges always use subjective judgment when determining bail amounts.

It's all about flight risk and anything they feel increases or mitigates that risk should be admissible.

By the same token, if he started reciting bible passages as an excuse for permitting the law he transgressed, I doubt the judge would have been as understanding.

Anonymous said...

I can do it in the original language and if I translated it it wouldn't end "forever" - wonder what the judge would do?

beepbeepitsme said...

It's such a poor standard. Being able to sprout bible passages is no indication that someone is better or worse than anyone else.