During Pete Hutter's testimony, they show Professor Wickwire who says he's working on a new kind of balloon using hydrogen for lift, and then he coughs and says "Oh the humanity", which is a reference to the words of the reporter during the fateful crash of the Hindenburg, a hydrogen dirigible.
When Pete Hutter is called to testify, his full name is read by the bailiff as Peter Leviticus Hutter.
Sherriff Viva is modeled on Elvis Presley, who was later portrayed by Bruce Campbell (Brisco) in Bubba Ho-Tep (2002).