CRIMINAL: Death sentence affirmed: Samuel Steven Fields v. Com. (SC 10/23/2008)

In this 59 page opinion, SC affirmed Fields' death sentence following convictions for murder and first-degree burglary. SC rejected Field's 49 allegations of error. Fields was not denied a fair jury selection process. TC properly ruled on numerous evidentiary issues. Fields substantial rights were not implicated when the TC conducted two hearings that were not critical stages in his absence. SC rejected argument that Commonwealth's guilt phase closing argument was so prejudicial and inflammatory that Fields was denied due process of law. Fields was not denied due process of law by the wording of the guilt phase instructions. There was no error in the penalty phase instructions.