Brian Nichols trial begins

Metro Atlanta

Brian Nichols trial begins

The much-delayed trial of accused courthouse killer Brian Nichols began Thursday in Atlanta.

The much-delayed trial of accused courthouse killer Brian Nichols got underway Thursday morning at the Fulton County courthouse , a day after Nichols' attorneys made it official that they will use an insanity defense. Brian Nichols and members of his defense team, from left to right: Penny Marshall, Brian Nichols, Josh Moore and Joe Guastaferro listen to the opening proceedings Thursday.

Thursday's proceeding started slowly and no potential jurors were questioned individually by as of noon. Superior Court Judge James Bodiford (above) promised that questioning in the afternoon and Friday would move more quickly. He told jurors that they would be asked about what opinions they may have expressed in the past and whether they could put those opinions aside.

Bodiford, who took over the Nichols case earlier this year after the first judge stepped down, told jurors that he won't likely excuse them for hardship reasons - except those required by law, such as not being able to communicate in English. None of the potential jurors claimed that problem. "I'm not a volunteer just as you are not a volunteer," Bodiford said. He said he has been asked, " 'Why did you accept (the appointment to the case)? And I said, 'Because it was the right thing to do.'"

Nichols has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He is charged with 54 crimes including the March 11, 2005 slayings of a Fulton County judge, court reporter and deputy sheriff during an escape at the downtown Atlanta courthouse, and of a federal agent while he was on the loose. In this photo, defense attorney, Henderson Hill listens to the prosecution's reply.

Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Kellie Hill (left) makes a point to colleague, Christopher Quinn.

Nichols was on trial on charges of kidnapping and raping his former girlfriend when he allegedly assaulted a deputy, escaped from his holding cell at the Fulton courthouse in downtown Atlanta and went on the shooting rampage. He evaded capture downtown and was arrested a day later after taking a Gwinnett County woman hostage in her apartment. In this photo, defense attorney Joe Guastaferro listens to the opening proceedings.

Defense attorney Josh Moore (left) addresses the bench as Fulton Assistant District Attorney Kellie Hill confers with colleagues.

The Assistant District Attorneys, from left to right, Clint Rucker, Kellie Hill and Brett Pinion go over material.

Defense team and defendant left to right- Penny Marshall, Brian Nichols, Joe Guastaferro Josh Moore and Henderson Hill confer.

Judge Bodiford (left) listens to Christopher Quinn (center-standing) as Henderson Hill (right-standing) looks on.

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The much-delayed trial of accused courthouse killer Brian Nichols got underway Thursday morning at the Fulton County courthouse , a day after Nichols' attorneys made it official that they will use an insanity defense. Brian Nichols and members of his defense team, from left to right: Penny Marshall, Brian Nichols, Josh Moore and Joe Guastaferro listen to the opening proceedings Thursday.

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