Torture Methods

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Methods of Torture Although methods of torture have been used for many years, even still today, it is an inhumane way to treat criminals/enemies. Torture started in medieval times. Continuing throughout history, the torture methods became worse. The ultimate question is, to what extent is torture necessary to gain information, before it dehumanizes someone? Medieval times are the era that deserves the blame; torture methods first begun in the 14th century. Most towns had a council to decide a person’s punishment. Also, most towns had torture chambers in dungeons or tall towers because some towns became rebellious to public torture. Instead, the guilty person(s) were tortured inside the castles and towers. Also, many people would be tortured at the same time. (http://www.medievality.com/torture-introduction.html). The main reason for public torture was to scare other civilians from doing the same things; it usually worked. These methods were in place of sitting in jail. (http://www.medievality.com/torture-information.html). One form of torture was “The Rat.” A person was tied down to a flat surface, and a metallic box was placed on top of the person’s stomach. Then, a rat was placed under the box. Gradually, the metallic box was heated. The rat had no choice, but to find a way out. It chewed through the person’s stomach to escape. The person, almost always died. Sometimes the torturer would leave the dead body outside as another example as to what not to do. Animals and bugs would eat at the flesh and it would decay very quickly. Another example of a form of torture would be “The Brazen Bull.” It was a hallow brass bull, with a side door. (http://www.weirdworm.com/10-bizarre-torture-methods/). A person that was to receive the tort... ... middle of paper ... ... is allowed to use. They are also allowed to strip the detainees naked, hood them, and bind them in uncomfortable positions. (Roth, 12, 13). Worse tortures are not allowed. They must be approved by senior commanders. No torture techniques are legal. They are all war crimes, although America is one of the number one users of torture methods to gain information. For over 200 years, people have not been able to get along. Torture, has shown us this. Some people want to blow up planes, while others want to stop them from doing so. Torture has become come a way of life for some people. It has even defied some people. It has shown the world, what evil can come, with what we decide to do to other people. Even though there are laws against torture, it will still go on. It is still going on, and until everyone gets along and there is no more violence, torture will live on.

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