[Physicians and the death penalty. Physicians' participation in the death penalty and executions]

Doctorss' participation in the death penalty and in executions is described from the literature on the subject. Expert testimonies from psychiatrists during death penalty trials, concerning the mental condition and the possibility of future violent behaviour of the person charged, are of decisive importance for whether the death penalty is imposed or not. By treating prisoners on death row for mental illness the doctor can precipitate the execution. Psychiatrists make fit-for-execution certificates stating whether the condemned is healthy enough to be executed. The doctor monitors the execution and gives advice to the executioner; at an intravenous execution the doctor and medical technique are further involved. It is concluded that doctors should not participate in the death penalty and executions, and that they should discuss ways of achieving such a situation.