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The Benefit and Cost Analysis of Torturing Prisoners

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  • Edwin S. Mills

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwin S. Mills, 2014. "The Benefit and Cost Analysis of Torturing Prisoners," Review of Economics & Finance, Better Advances Press, Canada, vol. 4, pages 57-63, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bap:journl:140305
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guido W. Imbens & Jeffrey M. Wooldridge, 2009. "Recent Developments in the Econometrics of Program Evaluation," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 47(1), pages 5-86, March.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Torture; Information; Deterrence; Retaliation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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