The character of Maggie Peterson could be, and probably is, based on Aileen Wuornos. Even the defense attorney in this episode physically resembles Wuornos' defense attorney at the time of her trial, with her tight curly and slightly unkempt hair.
Sara Ramirez was previously on Season 2 Episode 5 "Baby Killer" but she played a different character. She went on to become a regular on Grey's Anatomy (2005). Sharon Lawrence guest starred in that series too.