The Benefit and Cost Analysis of Torturing Prisoners

Edwin S. Mills ()
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Edwin S. Mills: Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, U.S.A.

Review of Economics & Finance, 2014, vol. 4, 57-63

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present qualitatively a concise synthesis of the possible benefits and costs of torturing prisoners. Most countries deny, yet apparently do, torture. Qualitatively, the benefits of torture are easy to summarize: torture attempts to extract information from prisoners about locations, plans and capabilities of enemy forces. Quantifying such information is relatively easy. Evaluating accuracy of information obtained from torture is extremely difficult. A second benefit of torture is deterrence of potential enemies from hostile action. Evaluating such benefit is extremely difficult and unreliable; successful deterrence requires that the torture be made public, at least in summary form, which may be illegal or unpopular. Most costs of torture are easy to calculate. Difficult to evaluate is the alleged demoralization of societies that torture. This paper concludes with comments about the inadequacies of US security agencies in translating information about potential enemy actions into useful political action.

Keywords: Torture; Information; Deterrence; Retaliation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D61 D78 K42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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