The Pros and Cons of Torture and Utilitarianism

Some people think torture was used long ago and that our current society cannot engage in such extremes. The truth is that torture is still a common practice and it’s on a rampage in the police forces especially when interrogating suspects with the hope of extracting a confession. These suspects are pressed hard until they are physically and emotionally exhausted and would rather confess than bear the pain. The question is, is it good to ever torture someone or it should never be done to anyone regardless of the matter at hand and possible benefit? John Stuart Mill's theory of utilitarianism tries to justify the use of torture if its outcome outweighs the sufferings (Rejali, 2020). his approach often takes place in the justice system of our modern days for Example interrogation of someone suspected of kidnapping, interrogators may try everything to coarse the suspect to confess the whereabouts of the kidnaped person if the suspect does not give in but continues to claim his innocence they may become desperate and opt to go for extreme measures. The suspect may be subjected to longer interrogations and fewer breaks, without water and food; lack of sleep and continuous questions. The suspect becomes malnourished, exhausted and emotionally unstable. Eventually, the suspect breaks down and says everything. People may say that the suspect’s rights were being infringed upon and that is certainly not justice however, according to Mill the legal rights he is deprived of were supposed not to have belonged to him. In other words, such a person should not enjoy the whole justice system benefits because of the horrendous acts he was involved in (Rejali, 2020). 

Interrogation is necessary but it should not reach some extremes where it is torturous, however, the person being interrogated shouldn’t be entirely relaxed and comfortable in such situations. If interrogators expressed leniency in any way the suspect may not understand the weight of the case. This might make them feel they are not considered as suspects and therefore are not impelled to confess even when guilty. On the other hand, the individual tortured for hours confesses a crime which he or she has not committed just to put the torture to an end something happens; an innocent person is jailed while the offender is still free and may continue to do more crimes (Rejali, 2020). At times a true confession can be reached through torture kidnapping but it is never worth the risk. Interrogations should be done but they shouldn’t compromise the suspect’s rights. 

Reference 

Rejali, D. (2020). The Field of torture today. Interrogation and Torture , 71-106. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190097523.003.0004