The trial regarding George Zimmerman has been going on until 10 p.m.  That is a very long day, when you consider that both sets of lawyers will need to complete several tasks every night after a trial.  During a trial, both sets of lawyers will spend anywhere from 2 – 4 hours, or more preparing for the next day.  Trials are grueling even when they end at the more traditional time of 5 or 6 pm.  The defense lawyer tried to move to end the trial day earlier.  He mentioned they had all been working very long hours.  But, the trial judge shot back, "So have I!"  The other defense lawyer pressed the motion, saying they had to do depositions at night and on weekends – as the judge simply packed up her reading materials and left the courtroom.  See ABA Bar Journal report. 

Yes, trials get very tense – completely apart from the merits of a particular case.  And, sure, the judges get tense, like any human would.  Not like those always calm, wise TV judges.  So, when clients tell me they "just want their day in court," I try to explain that sometimes, you do not get the day you want in court, even when you get there……