Is Torture Ever Legally Permissible? — Review on Maureen Ramsay Can the Torture of Terrorist Suspects Be Justified?

Abstract

This study rigorously explores the intricate legal, ethical, and operational dimensions involved in utilising torture in post-9/11 counter-terrorism strategies, pitting the unrelenting prohibition of torture against the pragmatic necessities of national security. It delves into the academic question of whether torture is morally permissible under extreme conditions, particularly in ‘ticking bomb’ scenarios, and assesses the effectiveness of torture in obtaining viable intelligence. Through detailed analysis, this study seeks to contribute to the dialogue on the need to harmonise national security objectives with the need to comply with human rights and legal norms, thereby enriching policy development and academic debate.