Politics of Torture

Catalog description

Focuses on the phenomenon of torture in modern societies. Examines the American post-9/11 torture program and torture in the Chicago Police Department, along with several cases of torture by militaries and police around the world. Explores when, why and by whom torture is used, what domestic and international laws say about it, whether legal and non-legal mechanisms for combatting torture are effective, and when, if ever, its use can be morally justified. Draws on a diverse range of materials, including internal government documents, domestic and international legal texts, television and film and research from across the social sciences.