The Nation : Bakker to Take Stand in His Trial Today

Jim Bakker will take the stand today to defend himself against fraud and conspiracy charges, his lawyers said after presenting about 50 character witnesses on behalf of the PTL founder. Bakker is expected to be the last defense witness. “It could have been today (Thursday), we’re going tomorrow,” defense attorney George T. Davis said when asked by reporters if Bakker would take the stand. Meanwhile, the federal judge in the trial in Charlotte, N.C., refused to allow the jury to tour the Heritage USA retreat built by the disgraced television evangelist. “It would be a waste of time and serve no purpose for the 18 people on the jury to go see it,” U.S. District Court Judge Robert Potter said.