59%
Yes
41%
No
46%
Yes
32%
No
6%
Yes, but only as a last resort
4%
No, torture is inhumane, unethical, and violates the 8th amendment
3%
Yes, but only if they are convicted terrorists
3%
No, and we should strictly follow the laws of the Geneva Convention
2%
Yes, allow the use of psychological but not physical tactics
2%
No, torture is an ineffective form of interrogation
2%
Yes, we must use any means necessary to prevent terrorism

Historical Results

See how support for each position on “Torture” has changed over time for 2.5m America voters.

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Historical Importance

See how importance of “Torture” has changed over time for 2.5m America voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.

 @8GN4YCZ from Virginia answered…4yrs4Y

No, while not only is it ineffective, psychology indicates that a person can and will (falsely) incriminate themselves to stop the torture

 @4P82YYHfrom Arizona answered…3yrs3Y

Enhanced interrogation should be allowed as well as psychological interrogation. These terrorists perform extreme atrocities on anyone, including innocent civilians. Our enhanced interrogation is child's play compared to what they do. This question should really be answered by someone under the threat of terrorism, or who has family of friends in captivity or otherwise affected by a terrorist act. You can pretty much guess what the answer will be 99.9% of the time.

 @4PCJZXRfrom Utah answered…3yrs3Y

We are the only country in the world that worries about being politically correct. If you go to any other country illegally and get caught, you will see horrible conditions, and not get any fair treatment. If you are believed to be a terrorist or spy in another country water boarding would be at the bottom of their lists. Other countries do much more horrible things like electrocution tactics, etc.. Yes torture is cruel, but how cruel is the planning of mass murder in the name of a religion. When you deal with animals that think a man, woman or child don't have the right to live because they don't believe in their ideology, well in my opinion the gloves need to come off.

 @4PGH697from Minnesota answered…3yrs3Y

No. There should be a "bright line" between allowed interrogations techniques and anything that amounts to a war crime or crime against humanity. However, there may be discrete circumstances where there is a critical need to obtain life-saving intelligence, in which instance it is the theater commander and his/her staff's call if there is a need for crueler interrogation practices. If such actions are subsequently authorized, then the burden of accountability must fall on those who authorized such "extra-judicial" actions. If the solution saves lives and/or ends a threat, the issue of accountability may be rendered moot; if it fails OR it is learned subsequently that the threat, and thereby the enhanced interrogation measure was overstated, those involved must stand to answer for their crime.

 @4PB2KT6from Texas answered…3yrs3Y

I think we should stop telling the world what we would do. Terrorists need to be afraid.

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