A Long Period Of Time

Torture is something that is known as wrong internationally. Torture is “deliberate, systematic or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons acting on the orders of authority, to force a person to yield information, to confess, or any other reason” (World Medical Association, 1975, pg.1). There is a general consensus that there is a right to be free from any kind of torture as it can be found in many different human rights treaties around the world. The treaties show that all of the thoughts about torture are pointing away from the right to torture someone no matter what the case

In contrast, some individuals may debate that torture and even some more minuscule forms of torture can be beneficial to obtaining the information needed. It is debated that torture has been used in a large portion of political systems in history, and that the “degree” of torture is a significant component when deciphering right vs. wrong. Moher argues that in a political system where torture is justifiable and legal, the torture used would be less extreme than what it is today (Moher, 2013). It is reasoned that different degrees of torture are more acceptable than others, in that some are less psychologically and physically harming. A

Torture falls under the category of cruel and unusual punishment, however circumstance can sway the attitude towards the use of torture. The most prevalent example in society, as well as the one used in the article “The Torture Debate” by Philip Rumney and Martin O’Boyle is terrorism. Based on the information presented in the article I agree that a legalized torture system should be developed under specific

The United Nations defines torture as any act by which severe physical or mental pain or suffering is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining information or a confession, or punishing a person for an act that he is suspected of having committed. Torture also includes intimidating or coercing a person for any reason based on discrimination of any kind when a person acting in an official capacity inflicts pain or suffering (Convention Against Torture para. 2). Although some people believe that torture is acceptable, in reality it is neither an acceptable nor a reliable method for obtaining information and should not be continued.

Michael Yoo used several definitions from several different places to define torture in his argument. The first definition is the one he used when he defined torture as the following: act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control. The other definition he uses it used to show what the government defines torture as. This definition is as follows: The United States

Torture in its basic essence began long ago. Civilizations have tortured many who have wronged them for thousands of years. The definition of torture is a broad and diverse as it includes mental, emotional, and physical aspects. From ancient Egypt, to medieval times and even to present day, torture has been a prevalent theme across cultures, and has undoubtedly helped to mold the society around us. This hotly debated issue has been on the forefront of

This research paper talks about the controversy of torture in America. Torture is defined as a punishment of severe and intentional pain, either mentally or physically, inflicted on a person, particularly to receive information from him or her (“Defining Torture”). Starting around 530 A.D., the Romans started using torture as a tactic to get statements from people that they claimed they could not get any other way. For the same reason, the French and Italians adopted using torture around the twelfth-century; however, they began to inflict torture on people because their law system required that they must have a confession from the suspect or witnesses in order to punish the person (Green). America adopted similar practices such as the French and Italians did, but the United States government claims that torture has only been used as a way to keep America safe from

When one thinks of torture they are not thinking about bunnies, rainbows, and lollipops. Instead, one will illustrate the idea of dungeons, the Middle Ages, and people being punished in horrendous ways. Torture is not something like candy in which one may say it is delicious, while another believes it is disgusting. Torture is viewed in society in one way only, and it happens to be in a negative manner. When defining torture, the most common widely used definitions are: the infliction of intense pain to punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure, something that causes agony or pain, and the anguish of body and mind. All of these definitions are in accordance to the same word: pain. The word pain itself generally has a negative connotation; by any sense it is unpleasant. A great amount of individuals believe that torture is justifiable when being used for the greater good, however, even if torture is being utilized for the greater good, it is still going to be an immoral act.

Since the beginning of ancient times, torture has been utilized for gaining information from persons of interest. It “refers to the use of various techniques designed to inflict extreme physical pain, psychological distress, or both” (Torture and Interrogation). Its goal is to strike fear, punish for crimes, or collect significant information. In the past, torture during war spurred the Geneva Conventions, a sequence of treaties that established global laws, prohibiting the act of torture on prisoners of war. Even though these laws forbid the use of torture, some countries still “reserve the right to use torture in

The history of torture in Europe may seem at first to be a steady progression of barbarous tactics, leading from one social purge to the next, but this is not completely the case. Torture has been used in a progression from primitive methods to the present more modern styles. It has also developed extensively, both in severity and variety of methods used. But in the end, torture has gone full circle; modern forms of torture are more like those methods used by savages than anything in between. Overall, the severity of torture has fluctuated, growing and receding with the passing of each new time period, but eventually reverting to its original state.

Apathetic, morally corrupt, or mentally ill is the image the general public constructs when discussing torturers. The frightening reality is a trio of instructor, torturer, and a need of information could resort to torture (Vos 288). The lack of legality has hindered and morphed the methods of torture and its frequency throughout history but has never achieved elimination. In the beginning of human civilization, the ancient rulers set up criminal procedures that demonstrates a low stage of intellectual development. The criminal procedure included the process known as the “Judgement of God” which includes these brutal methods: whoever can hold their arms in the form of a cross the longest, thrust their arm in to a pot of boiling water without being forced to, walk through flames and fire without scorched limbs, or when opposite limbs [right arm to left leg] are tied together then thrown into a pool or stream; whoever survives is the just party. The legal system pairs with the stage of intellectual development of the human race (Wellings 193-194). [THESIS STATEMENT]

Torture is a very sensitive and well-debated topic post 9/11, and the fight on terrorism faced by the U.S. and in many cases the whole world. Torture is defined by Merriam Webster dictionary as “the act of causing severe physical pain as a form of punishment or as a way to force someone to do or say something.” So this crucial and well-debated question has many opinions and sides to it.

What is torture? Basically, this is the action of physically or psychologically hurting a person without their permission and against their will. The torture has many goals such as obtaining a confession or information of the victim, revenge for an act committed by the victim or just for entertainment morbid and sadistic of the torturer. According to the 1984 United Nations Convention against Torture, the torture is:

Civil and human rights are essential to the functioning of a healthy society. They are supposed to keep us stable. Our laws of the land uphold our civil and human rights. This paper is going to state weather torture is still there, where, and with the current causes to the violation of article five, Torture and Degrading Treatment.

The authorities argue that a difference exists between torture and inhumane treatment, especially going by the motives behind use of torture, which is not always the case (Bakalar, 2007). However, a critical analysis of the two shows slight differences since torture can be argued to be inhumane treatment in different circumstances. In most cases, torture is perceived to be inhumane when it leads to long-term mental problems among the victims. However, subjection to torture even in the short term has serious consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which is an equally justification of its qualification as part of inhumane treatment. Additionally, the constitution highlights some of the basic rights that ought to be respected although