Channel 9 News, 4/05/2000 FEMALE NEWSCASTER: Will the Church of Scientology stand trial in connection with the death of Lisa McPherson? That's a question a Pinellas County judge will have to answer. It's the latest legal battle being fought in a Pinellas County courtroom. Bay News 9's Chris O'Connell has the story. CHRIS O'CONNELL--ON CAMERA: The state has charged the Church of Scientology's Flag Service Organization with abuse of a disabled adult and practicing medicine without a license, all in connection with the 1995 death of Lisa McPherson. Now attorneys for the church are asking the case be thrown out. [Scienos in courtroom; David Miscavige in courtroom; Eric Lieberman standing in front of charts displayed; Fort Harrison Hotel] CHRIS O'CONNELL--VOICE OF: In a courtroom packed with Scientologists and the church's spiritual leader, attorneys for the church tried to convince the judge the case should not even go to trial. They say the state's charges are nothing more than religious bigotry. They also say the church's treatment of Lisa McPherson is a religious practice that's protected under the First Amendment. You may remember McPherson died after spending 17 days at the church's Fort Harrison Hotel. CHRIS O'CONNELL--ON CAMERA: If the judge denies the church's request for a dismissal, attorneys will then start gearing up for an October trial that could last up to five weeks. Chris O'Connell, Bay News 9.