Torture: an overview of the law

Briefing Paper
Gabriela Echeverria and Elizabeth Wilmshurst, May 2006

What is torture?
How is torture distinguished from lawful interrogation techniques?
Is torture prohibited under all circumstances? What if there is an imminent
threat to the public: the so-called ticking bomb scenario?
What obligations do governments have?
What is 'extraordinary rendition'?
How can the law against torture be enforced?

This paper addresses these and other topical questions.