Legal Ethics
53 Articles
The Méndez Principles: Beware Crossing the Line to Psychological Torture
As the UN marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, a reminder of the many forms of such abuse that are prohibited.
The Méndez Principles: A Focus on the Exclusionary Rule
To eliminate interrogation abuses, consistently bar all information gained via torture or cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.
The Méndez Principles: Sharpening the View on Interrogation and Utilitarianism
Philosopher-jurist Jeremy Bentham's “ticking bomb scenario,” often cited to justify torture, has spawned wild misconceptions.
The Méndez Principles: Building Rapport and Trust in Interrogations to Elicit Reliable Information
The demonstrated effectiveness of evidence-based methods strengthens the argument against torture and ill-treatment.
The Méndez Principles: The Need to Update the Army Field Manual on Interrogation for the 21st Century
Defense Secretary Austin should convene an expert panel to ensure that methods used are informed by current science.
The Méndez Principles: Emergence and Global Expansion of Non-Coercive Interviewing
Three national jurisdictions that have introduced legal and effective techniques demonstrate that change is possible and is already underway.
The Méndez Principles: Science Shows Interrogation is Too Serious for Amateurs
Probing memory requires delicacy and care, because the method can change what the subject recalls -- and they wouldn't even be aware of it.
The Méndez Principles: A New Standard for Effective Interviewing by Police and Others, While Respecting Human Rights
Former UN Rapporteur on Torture says interrogations that reject coercive and abusive methods and build rapport are necessary and achievable.
The Méndez Principles: Leadership to Transform Interrogation via Science, Law, and Ethics
New guidance points the way to scientifically sound, lawful, human rights-compliant, and effective practices.
Stopping Torture: Why Professional Governance Failed, and How It Can Do Better
Professionals -- psychologists, physicians, lawyers -- played key parts in enabling post-9/11 torture programs. Yet professionalism can also constrain state power. Gregg Bloche…
Trump Has a “Right to Pursue Legal Challenges” to Election, But Not Without the Facts
Author of book on civil procedure discusses the Trump Campaign litigation to date, and Rule 11 sanctions for filing frivolous lawsuits.
How to Restore Ethics to the U.S. Department of State
The task demands accountability for the ethical scandals that have occurred at State during the Trump administration and a public commitment to rebuilding the infrastructure, including…