- Question
Is torture ever justified?
Torture is the intentional use of extreme physical suffering on a non-consenting, defenceless person for the purpose of breaking their will. While it is a horrific act, defendants argue that torture can produce information that is extremely valuable to governments and can save many lives.
Yes, torture can be justified
This position holds that torture can sometimes be justified. Its core argument is consequentialist — that the end can justify the means — contending that torture may extract highly valuable information capable of saving many lives, and that this can outweigh the harm done to the individual.
No, torture cannot be justified
This position holds that torture can never be justified. It argues that torture is a fundamental violation of human rights and dignity, that it is unreliable and simply does not work, and that intelligence extracted under torture is inadmissible and tainted in any case.