ABSTRACT
When the death penalty was reinstituted, psychologists found themselves called on for their expertise in understanding the multiple causes of violence, and also to answer questions about competence to be executed. Prompted by the greater involvement of psychologists in capital cases, and by news of death row inmates exonerated through the use of DNA evidence, the American Psychological Association (2006) passed a resolution urging caution in implementing the death penalty. The Resolution notes:
• Recent application of DNA technology has resulted in 62 postconviction determinations of actual innocence, with 8 having been sentenced to death at trial (APA, 2006).
