But there is one lingering offshoot of that bitter fight that could rise up in the next legislative session.

University of Utah law professors who litigate on behalf of plaintiffs against the state might not get their paychecks in the future.

U. of U. law professor Robert Adler did pro bono work for Utahns for Better Transportation, part of the group that fought the Legacy Parkway plan. That got the attention of several legislators who believe attorneys whose salaries are funded by taxpayers should not be suing the state.

House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, says the Legislative Office of Research and General Counsel is researching the issue and preparing legislation for the 2006 legislative session.

Curtis says he understands when professors get involved in defending those accused in criminal cases that are prosecuted by the state. "The state pays for public defenders," he noted.

But the bill, which does not yet have a named sponsor, would prohibit state-paid attorneys from litigating on behalf of plaintiffs seeking damages from the state.

That pot of gold: If you own a computer and have an e-mail address, you probably have heard over the years from the former finance minister of Nigeria offering to share with you $150 million tied up in a bank if you just send him your bank account number and Social Security number.

Or, perhaps it was the widow of a former Congo official who needs your information to share millions of dollars hidden elsewhere.

Or, perhaps it was a lottery official in Canada who sent you the good news that you won $100 million and you just need to send him $10,000 to cover the taxes before you are paid.

Now, there is an American war hero who knows where Saddam Hussein has hidden his ill-gotten gains and just needs your personal information to help him claim them and share them with you.

This latest scam letter is from "Sgt. Mark Edwards" who claims to be a member of the 1st Armored Division serving in Iraq. "Edwards" says he was there when Saddam was captured, and with him were documents showing what financial firm is holding Saddam's money.

What's next? Santa Claus needing your Social Security number so he can make sure your kids get the right toys?

Consistent enforcement? The Salt Lake City Police Department, in order to diligently enforce the law, might want to station a couple of squad cars on State Street between 900 South and 1300 South.

That's where a large billboard facing the northbound traffic and advertising Discover Card boasts in large print to the oncoming motorists: "Honk If You Like Money."

You might remember the police giving tickets to motorists who honked in support of anti-war protestors at the City-County building a few weeks ago.

So the police could get a windfall from drivers who respond to that billboard - unless, of course, it is only unlawful to honk for peace and OK to honk for the love of money.

prolly@sltrib.com