Is this an “only in Ohio” story? I think not. The lesson here seems to be that if you can recite versus from the bible, you get favorable treatment in America even if you were caught trying to use stolen credit cards:

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.

Did the judge read along to verify or did he also have the 23rd Psalm memorized? It’s not exactly the least well known passage:

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

I hear it might even stop a police officer from arresting a suspect. Wonder what the judge would have done if the alleged criminal was a devout Muslim. Or what about just a voracious reader of philosophy? Recite Descartes? Camus?