Over the course of human history, torture has been used as an instrument of war, a means of extracting information, and a mode of punishment. Many argue that it is a necessary weapon in times of war. Others insist that it constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, violates human rights laws, and fails to extract trustworthy information. This book dives into the debate over torture from all sides, using examples from recent history as well as sidebars, full-color photographs, and a glossary designed to improve young adults’ understanding of this controversial topic.