Commonwealth v. Philistin

I would award a new trial based upon trial counsel’s patently deficient stewardship in failing to seek redress concerning the atmosphere in which Appellant’s trial was conducted. I also have substantial concerns with the PCRA court’s refusal to entertain evidence about trial counsel’s *34compensation arrangement with the City of Philadelphia. My reasoning follows.

As the majority observes, Appellant’s trial for the killing and maiming of police officers was attended by numerous uniformed policemen. After the jury found Appellant guilty on all charges, a number of these officers cheered to show…