  In this review we discuss a recent proposal to perform partial Bell-state
(parity) measurements on two-electron spin states for electrons confined to
quantum dots. The realization of this proposal would allow for a physical
implementation of measurement-based quantum computing. In addition, we consider
the primary sources of energy relaxation and decoherence which provide the
ultimate limit to all proposals for quantum information processing using
electron spins in quantum dots. We give an account of the Hamiltonians used for
the most important interactions (spin-orbit and hyperfine) and survey some of
the recent work done to understand dynamics, control, and decoherence under the
action of these Hamiltonians. We conclude the review with a table of important
decay times found in experiment, and relate these time scales to the potential
viability of measurement-based quantum computing.
