The Relevance of Trauma and Secondary Trauma to Death Penalty Cases
2020 ◽
pp. 213-228
Keyword(s):
Case Law
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This chapter discusses the relevance of trauma and secondary trauma to death penalty investigations and investigators. U.S. Supreme Court case law recognizes severe trauma in a client’s life history as a powerful mitigating factor. However, uncovering and working effectively with someone else’s most traumatic moments is a delicate and difficult process in the best of circumstances. This chapter outlines recent case law in this area, practical considerations for capital defense teams, and best practices for establishing rapport and investigating your client’s past trauma. Prophylactic measures practitioners can take for preventing their own secondary trauma is also discussed.