A
madman who has threatened to explode several bombs in crowded areas has been
apprehended. Unfortunately, he has already planted the bombs and they are
scheduled to go off in a short time. It is possible that hundreds of people may
die. The authorities cannot make him divulge the location of the bombs by
conventional methods. He refuses to say anything and requests a lawyer to
protect his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. In exasperation,
some high level official suggests torture. This would be illegal, of course,
but the official thinks that it is nevertheless the right thing to do in this
desperate situation.
Do you agree? If you do, would it also be morally
justifiable to torture the mad bomber’s innocent wife if that is the only way
to make him talk? Why?
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