DURHAM, N.C. — Jurors hearing evidence against Michael Peterson are foregoing summer vacations to decide whether the novelist should spend every summer, winter, fall and spring for the rest of his life in prison. But that doesn't mean jurors are not thinking about the trips to the Carolina shore they could be taking with their families instead of being in court six hours a day, five days a week listening to evidence that borders on tedious at times.

The jury welcomes a day at the beach

Told about a few potential breaks in the proceedings to accommodate witness' schedules, one juror told Judge Orlando Hudson Jr. that a few panelists would like to go to the beach the following week. "Are y'all voting that you'd like to go to the beach?" Hudson inquired. "That would be nice," said the male juror who broached the subject, speaking for the group.

With the court dark until Wednesday, Aug. 6, those jurors have several days away. But at least some of them will have to report to their regular jobs, rather than hitting the surf.

***

Only one elevator is available for lawyers

The elevator situation at the seven-floor Durham Judicial Building continues to be a problem for trial participants. The start of testimony was delayed 10 minutes Monday because defense lawyer David Rudolf was stuck waiting for the only elevator of three that he could use. A sign on the second elevator read "Out of Service." The third lift, an emergency elevator in the rear of the building reserved for jurors, is off limits to the prosecution, defense and supporters from both camps. On more than one occasion, Hudson has taken advantage of the profusion of cameras and microphones capturing everything in his fifth floor courtroom to the County of Durham to do something about the elevator situation. "We need new elevators," Rudolf announced to the court when he finally reached the courtroom. "You're not going to make a speech?"

"I believe you know where the county commissioners meet," Hudson replied.

***

Even when the elevators are working, they remain a problem. On Tuesday, I was chatting with Carolyn Hardin, the district attorney's mother and campaign manager, as we waited for an elevator at the end of the trial day. As Mrs. Hardin and I stepped onto the elevator, defendant Michael Peterson and three of his children emerged from the courtroom just in time to catch the elevator. Mrs. Hardin opted not to share the elevator with the defendant in her son's case, and got out, a look of annoyance on her face. I stayed on, so I don't know how long she had to wait for another one.

Most lawyers have a few signature objections they throw out, and the lawyers in the Peterson case are no exception. Here's the breakdown: Prosecutor Jim Hardin: "Objection, I'd like to be heard." Prosecutor Freda Black: "Objection, cuttin' him off."

Defense attorney Rudolf

Defense lawyer David Rudolf: "Objection, leading." Defense lawyer Thomas Maher: "Objection, relevance." Thus far, Hudson seems  content to permit all the lawyers wide latitude when examining witnesses. His typical retort is: "Objection over-ruled. It's allowed."

***

Cable down and can't catch the trial on Court TV? No problem, there are plenty of seats in Courtroom 1. Be advised, however, that sheriff's deputies are taking attendance. Three weeks into the trial, deputies posted at the courtroom entrance have been making people not associated with the trial or the media write their names on white legal pads. Why? "I can't tell you that," a deputy said when Courttv.com inquired. Who directed deputies to take names? "I can't tell you that," he repeated. Was it the judge? The lawyers? "I can't tell you that," he said again. You can't or you won't? "I can't tell you that." You have to respect a guy who can stand up to cross-examination.