Haha, I wouldn't be surprised if it did turn into a circus. There is no telling what kind of bat-shit crazy stuff Jodi is planning on throwing out there. She keeps saying stuff will be "disclosed at a later date" (i.e. Travis being abusive and what-not..) I am sure the prosecution is going to have tons-o-fun with her.
ETA: That's another example as to why it would last that long. Anything can happen to turn things in another direction for either side...and they have to have time to think about how to handle it.