Torture Debate

Torture Is Unacceptable Under No Circumstances

Argument: torture is unacceptable because it is counterproductive

Argument: torture is unacceptable because it is illegal

Argument: torture is unacceptable because it is immoral

Is Torture Ever Acceptable in Any Way?

Although torture has existed as long as human history, liberal democracies in the last two centuries began to argue against the use of torture in all occasions because they began to see torture as a barbaric practice and morally repugnant. Nevertheless, even liberal democracies have often resorted to torture in practice, especially in times of war. Although as a matter of policy, most democracies have banned torture and have signed international conventions against the practice of torture and cruel punishments, periodic wars and crises force some policy-makers to question the wisdom of banning all kinds of torture. Thus, following the horrific attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, members...
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