torture
396 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 Surprisingly Broad Implications of Nestlé USA, Inc. v. Doe for Human Rights Litigation and Extraterritoriality
In Nestlé USA, Inc. v. Doe, the U.S. Supreme Court took up the question of corporate liability for human rights violations under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) for the third time.…

How the Biden Administration Should Take Torture-Derived Evidence Off the Table
In a decent legal system, the government does not ask courts to admit evidence derived from torture, nor does it press other arguments that disregard the absolute prohibition on…

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.

State Secrets and the Torture of Abu Zubaydah
More than any case to have reached the Supreme Court, Abu Zubaydah’s case demonstrates the need to carefully scrutinize what information the Executive Branch can legitimately…

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.