What is the official definition of torture?

What is the official definition of torture?

9 Section 2340(1) defines “torture” as “an act committed by a person. acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or. mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanc- tions) upon another person within his custody or physical control.”

What is the best definition of torture?

Definition of torture (Entry 1 of 2) 1 : the infliction of intense pain (as from burning, crushing, or wounding) to punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure. 2a : something that causes agony or pain. b : anguish of body or mind : agony. 3 : distortion or overrefinement of a meaning or an argument : straining.

What are the two classification of torture?

In that case, the Court found that the aggressive acts suffered by the victim could be classified as physical and psychological torture, and that the acts were planned specifically for the purpose of wearing the victim down and to obtain incriminating evidence from him.

How does the Geneva Convention define torture?

For the purposes of this Convention, the term “torture” means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed …

Can torture ever be justified?

The prohibitions in the Torture Convention are absolute. “No exceptional circumstances whatsoever,” says Article 2, “whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture.”

What forms of torture are illegal?

Torture and abusive interrogation tactics are illegal under both U.S. law and international law. Torture is prohibited under federal law, as are lesser forms of detainee abuse such as cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

What is a word for mental torture?

Torture Synonyms – WordHippo Thesaurus….What is another word for torture?

torment trouble
agonizeUS beset
pain disturb
annoy curse
anguish oppress

Can torture be justified?

What does international law say about torture?

Under customary international law as well as underinternational human rights treaties, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is prohibited at all times and in all circumstances.

What are the rules of torture?

2340A) Section 2340A of Title 18, United States Code, prohibits torture committed by public officials under color of law against persons within the public official’s custody or control. Torture is defined to include acts specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering.

Is torture morally right?

For instance, it is generally held that torture is defined in part as the deliberate infliction of extreme suffering and that – by virtue of this defining feature – torture is morally wrong. Note that even actions or practices that are inherently morally wrong might be morally justified in extreme circumstances.