We're talking shear stress, as the joint involves the foot underneath a
murphy bed. The foot folds out from the top of the bed on a pivoting board.
The joint in question is between the foot and the pivot board. The foot
meets in the middle of the board, which eliminates a scarf or half lap
joint. I'm leaning towards dowels as a strenghthener. I don't expect a whole
lot of stress on the board, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

-Bill