Argumentative Essay: Is Torture Ever Justified?

Is it ever ethically justified to torture a terrorist to save millions of innocent lives, or is it always unjustifiable to torture a person? Imagine one summer day when all the news stations broadcast a message saying that a terrorist has planted a nuclear bomb in New York City and that the bomb will detonate in approximately one hour and two million civilians will parish. The news then says that the terrorist has been captured, but the only way to find out the key information to stop the detonation is by torturing the terrorist. Although torturing the terrorist is the only method of retrieving the location of the bomb, the torturing of an individual is not ethical. No matter the severity and impact of the crime, the torturing of an individual should never be justified due to its inhuman methods, ineffectiveness and immorality.
The United States legal code defines torture as “any action that is specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering” (“CIA tactics: What is….”). It is used for punishing, interrogating, seeking revenge of a third party or victim. In order to be considered torture, there must be a
The methods of torture are inhumane and unjust. The information obtained is often ineffective or falsified and the use is immoral and dehumanizing. Therefore, torture is unacceptable. Through the use of torture and illegal imprisonment or detention, many citizens within the United States as well as every country are at a loss. In certain circumstances when torture does bring out the truth, the risks of acquiring false information during other times are not worth the efforts. Incorrect information acquired from torture could bring about more delays in action, increased government expenses and overall harm to the situation rather than a