Civilizing torture : an American tradition

The Resource Civilizing torture : an American tradition

Label

Civilizing torture : an American tradition

Title remainder

an American tradition

Statement of responsibility

W. Fitzhugh Brundage

Language

eng

Summary

The pilgrims and merchants who first came to America from Europe professed an intention to create a society free of the barbarism of Old World tyranny and New World savagery. But over the centuries Americans have turned to torture during moments of crisis at home and abroad and have debated its legitimacy in defense of law and order. From the Indian wars to Civil War POW prisons and early penitentiaries, from "the third degree" in police stations and racial lynchings to the War on Terror, US institutions have proven to be far more amenable to torture than the nation's professed commitment to liberty would suggest. Legal and racial inequality fostered many opportunities for state agents to wield excessive power, which they justified as essential for American safety and well-being. Reconciling state violence with the aspirations of Americans for social and political justice is an enduring challenge. By tracing the historical debates about the efficacy of torture and the attempt to adapt it to democratic values, Civilizing Torture reveals the recurring struggle to decide what limits Americans are willing to impose on the power of the state. At a time of escalating rhetoric aimed at cleansing the nation of the undeserving, as well as ongoing military involvement in conflicts around the world, the debate over torture remains a critical and unresolved part of America's tradition.--

Assigning source

Provided by publisher

Cataloging source

MH/DLC

Dewey number

363.25/4

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

LC call number

HV8599.U6

LC item number

B78 2018

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Context

Context of Civilizing torture : an American tradition

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Civilizing torture : an American tradition

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The work Civilizing torture : an American tradition represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in DC Public Library System. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Context

Work of

Civilizing torture : an American tradition Resource Information The work Civilizing torture : an American tradition represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in DC Public Library System. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Context

Work of

Civilizing torture : an American tradition

Resource Information

The work Civilizing torture : an American tradition represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in DC Public Library System. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.