Exposing Torture: Centuries of Cruelty

by Hal Marcovitz

Overview

Torture. According to Henry Shue, professor of politics and international relations at the University of Oxford in England, "No other practice except slavery is so universally condemned in law and human convention. Yet, unlike slavery…torture is widespread and growing." Why is torture so common? Is it an unavoidable component of human psychology?

Exposing Torture tackles these complex questions, delving into the history of torture around the world, from the flayings, burnings, and other methods of torture in ancient societies to the humiliating forms of psychological and sexual torture of the twenty-first century. But is torture an effective means of controlling human behavior? Can it help root out information about terrorism and prevent loss of human life?

Over the centuries, many people have supported the point of view that it can, while others vehemently disagree. In this book, readers will examine the ethical and moral dilemmas of torture, while learning more about the international efforts to ensure the humanitarian treatment of individuals in a variety of circumstances. Exposing Torture also delves into the system of international courts and tribunals that work to bring known torturers to trial. Readers will hear from victims of torture who not only survived but sought justice and founded organizations to help other victims. After reading this in-depth examination, readers will be able to make a persuasive argument to answer the question: Is torture ever acceptable?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467750493
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/01/2015
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	6.51(w) x 7.85(h) x 0.45(d)
Lexile:	1230L (what's this?)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Introduction: Pain and Suffering 5

Chapter 1 Cruel and Unusual Punishment 9

Chapter 2 Torture Endures 25

Chapter 3 The Push for Human Rights 41

Chapter 4 Blood on American Hands 51

Chapter 5 Recovering from the Wounds of Torture 67

Chapter 6 Blowing the Whistle on Torture 80

Critical Analysis 92

Glossary 94

Timeline 96

Source Notes 100

Selected Bibliography 104

For Further Information 106

Index 108

Editorial Reviews

"The use of torture has been a concern in current history, albeit one that usually focuses on Americans as victims. But recently the debate on torture sometimes aims at Americans as practitioners. This slender volume is packed with information about torture, presented in clear, cogent, and well-organized chapters. Marcovitz describes the history of torture from ancient times to the present, the regimes that use it, and the impact it has on its victims. He does not shirk from discussing American culpability in its use and presents the diverging opinions on the efficacy and morality of 'enhanced interrogation' techniques. Marcovitz's language is accessible, and the layout is attractive with plenty of photographs and sidebars to support and enhance the material. Furthermore, Marcovitz avoids sensationalizing the topic, treating both it and his readers seriously; methods and particulars are described with restraint. A good index, an extensive glossary, source notes, a bibliography, a time line, and print, web, and film sources for further information round out the text. This is a good pick for schools or those interested in current events."―Booklist

From the Publisher

01/01/2015
Gr 9 Up—Covering everything from spike chairs to waterboarding, Marcovitz presents a thematic overview of various methods of torture, the international response to it, and its impact on victims and society. Throughout, Marcovitz intersperses concise profiles of perpetrators and victims from nearly every continent and time-period, enabling readers to connect with the subject. The highly publicized examples of torture, such as Abu Ghraib, are contextualized for readers. The inclusion of fraternity and sorority hazing, while brief, is timely and thought-provoking. Drawings and photographs extend the narrative, and many are not as graphic as the frank descriptions in the text. Though the writing is repetitive and disjointed in spots, Marcovitz succeeds in bringing focus to the larger issue of torture and the plight of individual victims around the world. Students doing research will find depth in this book and its extensive back matter.—Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

School Library Journal

2014-12-06
This overview delves into the history of torture, from the flayings, burnings and other brutal methods used in ancient societies to the psychological and sexual torture of the 21st century, and tackles complex ethical and moral questions. Torture is universally condemned in international law, yet its efficacy as a method of intelligence gathering and controlling human behavior continues to be debated. Marcovitz chronicles how torture has been used since ancient times: in witch hunts and the Inquisition, the suppression of political dissent by autocratic regimes, as punishment for an array of crimes. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment brought the push for human rights and arguments that torture was unacceptable under any circumstances. Despite attempts to prohibit torture through international compacts like the Geneva Convention and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the practice of torture persists to the present day. Marcovitz devotes a good deal of discussion to its widespread use by the United States, citing examples like Abu Ghraib, Guantánamo Bay and the policy of extraordinary rendition. Both sides of the debate on the efficacy and necessity of torture are presented and left to readers to decide if torture is ever acceptable. Though none of the issues presented is explored in any great depth, this overview provides readers with a useful starting place for further exploration. (glossary, timeline, source notes, bibliography, websites, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews

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