Question

A madman who has threatened to explode several bombs in crowded areas has been apprehended. Unfortunately, he has already planted the bombs and they are scheduled to go off in a short time. It is possible that hundreds of people may die. The authorities cannot make him divulge the location of the bombs by conventional methods. He refuses to say anything and requests a lawyer to protect his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination. In exasperation, some high level official suggests torture. This would be illegal, but the official is sure that it will make him tell the truth in time for you to find and defuse the bombs.

What should you do?

What if you know that the bomber can withstand torture himself, but is sympathetic toward disabled children and would talk if you were to torture an innocent disabled child?

Answer 1

First of all truth should be assessed regarding the mental health of the madman. Whether he is speaking the truth and and his insanity should be assessed by a professional. Torture to both the mad man and the innocent disabled child is not the solution. Because he is sympathetic towards disabled children, he should be told that his action may cause harm to many such children and if he really cares for them he would say the truth. But, firstly his insanity is to be assessed and degree of truth that he is claiming about.