Why does Dershowitz discuss the present practice of imprisoning witnesses who refuse to testify?
A) To argue that less painful means than torture can be utilized to obtain valuable information from the innocent.
B) To argue that we sometimes tolerate inflicting pain on the innocent to obtain valuable information.
C) To argue that it is never acceptable to inflict pain on the innocent to obtain valuable information.
D) To argue that there is a dangerously slippery slope from this practice to the torture of the innocent to obtain valuable information.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dershowitz discusses the practice to illustrate that society already accepts some level of discomfort or pain being inflicted on innocent individuals (in this case, imprisonment of non-compliant witnesses) to gain valuable information, thereby challenging the absolute stance against using pressure on the innocent in any context.

Why Does Dershowitz Discuss the Present Practice of Imprisoning Witnesses