Study Questions

Dershowitz on Torture

1.) What is the current situation regarding torture as Dershowitz sees it?

2.) What are the three options for future action regarding torture given the current situation as Dershowitz sees them?  Which is Dershowitz's position?

3.) Why does Dershowitz feel that we should not adopt the current "off the books" torture policy?

4.) Why does Dershowitz feel that we should not adopt a total ban on torture?

5.) What is the ticking bomb case?  How does Dershowitz use it to argue for limited torture?

6.) What is the theory and reasoning in ticking bomb case according to Wallis?

7.) What other factors that effect the utility of torturing in ticking bomb cases are not considered according to Wallis?

8.) Why does Wallis think that terrorism doesn't pose the significant risk that people perceive to to pose?

9.) Why does Wallis think that a ban on torture is not impossible?

10.) What consideration does Wallis raise to undermine Dershowtiz's claim that warrants will decrease torture while increasing visability and accountablity?