The ticking time bomb Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The ticking time bomb - Term Paper Example The human race is a distinct species; this is with regards to envisaging its future actions. As such, it will be engaging in conjectures without content if this paper states that good will always persist. With the aim of producing an unbiased paper, these baseless conceptions shall not be propagated within the confines of this paper. In some situations, it is requisite to entertain evil deeds for the benefit of the greater good. This entails willfully inflicting pain on certain individuals, terrorism suspects, so as to maintain peace and harmony of the greater society. However, a problem arises when an attempt is made on what greater good justifies the use of evil or bad deeds on a fellow human being. One such deed is the use of torture on fellow human beings so as to benefit the greater human race. This paper endeavors to expound on whether torture can be justified in situations exemplified by a ticking time bomb. A variety of literal works have been put forward that embark on eithe r support or oppose the notion that torture can in some situations be justified. This paper will analyze the understandings of one proponent of torture, Professor Alan Dershowitz. Additionally, the conclusions of the Landau commission will also be explicated. Analysis In Professor Alan Dershowitz’s article in the Darmer text, he goes to great lengths to expound on why terrorism has been successful thus far (Darmer et al, p. 188-89) .He proceeds to give remedies to this escalating situation. However, he insists that there be a well defined line between matters regarding national security and civil liberties. The relevant authorities should no be so preoccupied by their desire to maintain national security to the extent that they impinge on the civil liberties of the suspected terrorist. Professor Dershowitz explicates on the vitality of torture with regards to sustenance of the human race, more precisely, the society. He contends that the society, in regards to terrorism, cann ot be expected to have its cake and eat it too. In between the lines, Dershowitz raises an assortment of questions, both in the legal and moral context, as to how effective the society will be able to deter random acts of terrorism while, still judiciously perpetuating essential values relating to both the liberty and privacy of man (Darmer et al, p. 192-94). Professor Dershowitz is of the opinion that the route adopted by the police, in combating perpetrators of terrorism is inappropriate. This is because these individuals are most often rational thinkers who engage in these heinous acts so as to draw attention towards them. Therefore, the police are basically aiding them to achieve their life’s goals.Per se, a different itinerary should be espoused by the police if terrorism is to be effectively combated. In this context, professor Dershowitz is offering the understanding that punishing these perpetrators will ultimately deter a significant number of terrorism events. As su ch, this provides an alternative action to be employed in similar situations, as it also upholds the civil liberties of all persons; as should be the case in every democratic society. This juncture culminates into one of the most controversial proposals attributed to Dershowitz. This is the use of torture that has been judicially sanctioned. However, he substantiates the specific instances that this mechanism can be employed on a suspect. He gives a caution that torture is not an act that is applied to just any suspect, but rather on a