“The authorities have apprehended an individual who is suspected of being a terrorist. Informants suggest that this person may have information about the location of a bomb which could harm many innocent people. Is it permissible to torture the suspect to obtain this information? Why or why not?

Consider further: Does it matter if the suspect is innocent? Are there forms of coercion other than torture that would be acceptable—how is torture defined? Does the location or citizenship of the authorities or the suspect change anything?”

outside sources requirement:
1. Human rights in international law author: Rhona K. M. Smith
2. Torture author: William F. Schulz