Torturing Terrorists

This book considers the theoretical, policy and empirical arguments relevant to the debate concerning the legalisation of interrogational torture.

Torturing Terrorists examines, as part of a consequentialist analysis, the nature and impact of torture and the implications of its legal regulation on individuals, institutions and wider society. In so doing, the book engages in a wide ranging inter-disciplinary analysis of the arguments and claims that are put forward by the proponents and opponents of legalised torture.

The text critically evaluates suggestions that debating the legalisation of torture is ‘dangerous’ and should be avoided. Further, it examines the argument that the 'ticking bomb' hypothetical is a myth and considers the effectiveness of torture in producing ‘ticking bomb’ and ‘infrastructure’ intelligence. Torturing Terrorists also examines the use of interrogational torture and coercion by state officials in Northern Ireland, Algeria, Israel, and as part of the CIA’s ‘High Value Detainee’ interrogation programme. Finally, the book considers the difficulties in drafting the text of a torture statute; the difficulties of controlling the use of interrogational torture and problems such a law could create for state officials and wider society.