Tortured Morals: The Illegality and Immorality of the Enhanced Interrogation Program from an LDS Perspective

Abstract

The U.S. Enhanced Interrogation Program as applied after the Sept. 11 attacks has raised many legal and moral questions. Despite the prominent involvement of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in all levels of the controversial program, there has not yet been a consistent approach to the subject based on LDS doctrine and teachings. Based on international law, U.S. domestic law, and the moral rules contained in LDS scripture, this Paper argues that the Enhanced Interrogation Program was illegal and immoral.

Keywords: Human Rights, torture, inhuman treatment, inhumane treatment, ICCPR, Convenation Against Torture, enhanced interrogation, interrogation, Law of Armed Conflict, International Humanitarian Law, IHL, cruel and unusual punishment, Eighth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, war on terror

JEL Classification: K33, N40, H56