Assignment task:
You are the chief of detectives in charge of a multi-task force terrorism investigation.
A terrorist who has threatened to explode several bombs in crowded areas of the city has been apprehended. Unfortunately, you have information that he has already planted the bombs and they are scheduled to go off in a short time. It is possible that hundreds, maybe thousands of people will be seriously injured and/or die. The police and the federal authorities are unable to make him divulge the location of the bombs by legal constitutional methods. He refuses to say anything and requests a lawyer asserting his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination. In exasperation, some high-level official suggests torture, which is illegal and a violation of the United States Constitution and department policy.
Questions: What would you do?
- Do you agree?
- Would it also be morally justifiable to torture the terrorist in an attempt to get him to reveal to location of the bombs?
- What about his family? Would you torture his wife in order to get him to tell the locations of the bombs?
- Explain your reasoning.