Forensic Mental Health Assessments in Death Penalty Cases

Abstract

The continuing development of forensic psychology and psychiatry, combined with several recent decisions from the United States Supreme Court addressing various aspects of the death penalty, has increased the number of forensic mental health assessments conducted in death penalty cases. Forensic mental health professionals are now conducting assessments at every stage of death penalty proceedings, ranging from pre-trial evaluations to determine eligibility for the death penalty to evaluations conducted post-sentencing closer to the date of the execution. Yet there are surprisingly few comprehensive resources for clinicians who conduct those assessments, students interested in learning about these assessments, and attorneys who work with forensic mental health professionals. This book provides relevant background on death penalty litigation and influential court cases, a discussion of key ethical considerations for clinicians who conduct assessments in death penalty cases, guidance on conducting various types of forensic mental health assessments in death penalty proceedings, and sample forensic reports illustrating best practices.