Accountability Quote by Alan Dershowitz
“If torture is going to be administered as a last resort in the ticking-bomb case, to save enormous numbers of lives, it ought to be done openly, with accountability, with approval by the president of the United States or by a Supreme Court justice.”
About This Quote
Advocates transparent, accountable use of torture only in extreme, life‑saving scenarios, subject to highest executive or judicial oversight.
In simple terms: Transparent, accountable torture in extreme cases.
Key Takeaway
Extreme oversight needed for extreme measures.
Themes
ethics
law
government
human rights
security
Mood
serious
cautious
analytical
Type
policy statement
ethical argument
When to use this quote
- national security crisis
- imminent mass casualty threat
- government decision‑making
- legal review processes
Key Concepts
torture
ticking‑bomb scenario
presidential authority
judicial oversight
Practical Applications
- policy drafting for emergency powers
- ethical training for officials
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent misuse of emergency torture powers?
- How does transparency affect public trust in extreme security measures?
A Different Perspective
Openly sanctioned torture may erode legal norms and invite abuse, undermining the very security it aims to protect.
