Lawyer arguing before the Supreme Court of the United States calls Justice by a predecessor's name

from THE HILL dot-com (April 27, 2016):

The attorney for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell goofed in the courtroom Wednesday, addressing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as Justice O’Connor.

Reviewing McDonnell’s corruption conviction, Ginsburg had asked Noel Francisco whether it would be acceptable for every government official to seek payment before taking a meeting.  There are lots of other statutes that would prohibit precisely what you are suggesting, Justice O'Connor,” Francisco said, referring to Sandra Day O’Connor, who retired from the court in 2006.

The courtroom gasped, but Ginsburg took the name change in stride. 

“That hasn’t happened in quite some time,” she said, inciting a roar of laughter from the audience.

Francisco quickly corrected himself and apologized.

“Justice Ginsburg. I am very, very, very sorry,” he said.