Harris Wk 7
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Makayleigh Harris posted Mar 20, 2024 4:32 PM
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Preventive detention and interrogation tactics, particularly in the context of counterterrorism efforts, raise significant ethical concerns regarding human rights, due process, and the rule of law. Preventive detention is the practice of detaining individuals without trial based on the suspicion of future criminal activity. While proponents argue that it is necessary to prevent potential terrorist acts, critics contend that it violates due process rights and can lead to arbitrary detention and abuse. The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized preventive detention as a form of indefinite imprisonment without charge or trial, undermining the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial (American Civil Liberties Union, 2020).
Similarly, interrogation tactics employed in counterterrorism efforts, such as waterboarding and other forms of enhanced interrogation techniques, have sparked intense ethical debate. While proponents argue that these methods may yield valuable intelligence to prevent future attacks, others argue that they constitute torture and violate international human rights standards. In some instances, waterboarding and other forms of torture have been condemned, stating that they are prohibited under international law and constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment (United Nations Committee Against Torture, 2020).
The ethical considerations surrounding preventive detention and interrogation tactics differ when applied to suspected terrorists compared to American citizens due to the unique nature of the threat posed by terrorism. In the context of counterterrorism, law enforcement agencies may face pressure to employ more aggressive tactics to thwart potential attacks and protect national security. However, the use of such tactics must be balanced against ethical principles, including respect for human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.
The difference between suspected terrorists and American citizens underscores the importance of upholding constitutional rights and legal protections for all individuals, regardless of their perceived threat level. While suspected terrorists may pose a significant risk to national security, they are still entitled to basic human rights and due process under the law.
In conclusion, the ethical implications of preventive detention and interrogation tactics in counterterrorism efforts raise profound questions about the balance between security and individual rights. While the threat of terrorism necessitates robust law enforcement measures, these measures must be consistent with ethical principles, legal standards, and human rights norms. As policymakers and practitioners grapple with these complex issues, it is essential to prioritize ethical considerations and uphold fundamental values of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
-Makayleigh
References:
American Civil Liberties Union. (2020). Preventive Detention. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/issues/national-security/detention/preventive-detention
American Psychological Association. (2015). Report of the American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Psychological Ethics and National Security (PENS) (PDF). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/pubs/info/reports/pens.pdf
United Nations Committee Against Torture. (2020). Concluding Observations on the Seventh Periodic Report of the United States of America. Retrieved from https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CAT%2fC%2fUSA%2fCO%2f7&Lang=en
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