Anna Nicole Smith Goes to Washington

March 1, 2006 — -- The late-night shows couldn't get enough of Anna Nicole Smith's appearance at the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately, they did not allow cameras in the Supreme Court but they did have a sketch artist," said Jimmy Kimmel on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

"And here's what went on, there's Anna Nicole."

Kimmel then showed a drawing of Smith sitting in the courtroom in a bra and underwear.

The former Playboy playmate went to Washington, D.C., to hear her lawyers argue a case that pits her against the son of her late husband, J. Howard Marshall II. The 90-year-old billionaire died in 1995 after a 14-month marriage to Smith. His estate -- estimated to be valued at $1.6 billion -- is the subject of an 11-year family feud.

The high court is considering whether federal courts have jurisdiction in matters that are brought before state probate courts. Smith's lawyers argued that federal courts did have jurisdiction in estate issues -- and that a $474 million award from a California bankruptcy court was legal. Lawyers for Marshall's son maintained that state probate courts -- like the one in Texas where Smith lost -- should have the final say.

In their questioning, many of the justices seemed sympathetic to Smith's claim. There was no neck craning, and they referred to Smith by her given name, Vickie Lynn. Only a few times did they indicate they were aware of Smith's presence. At one point, Justice Stephen Breyer observed drolly, "It's quite a story."

When Smith and her attorney left the courthouse, they were swarmed by photographers. Other petitioners seemed invisible that day.

"If the Supreme Court is mentioned on 'Entertainment Tonight,' it won't be about our case," said Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell, who was there to argue in favor of campaign finance limits in his state.

Smith, who was dressed in black, cried occasionally during the proceedings.

"She was in tears a great deal of the time," said Kent Richland, her attorney. "And I know that happens often when she hears discussion about J. Howard."