We’ve often been told that one vote or one person changed something important. And these stories lift our hearts. But one of these stories caught my attention recently – particularly because of the huge discussion going on in our country of the alleged use of torture against Islamic fundamentalists.
The first great popular movement to abolish torture occurred during the 18th century in Europe. In 1764 the Jesuit-educated Italian humanist Cesare Beccaria wrote a short book, On Crimes and Punishments, which examined the system of criminal law. In particular, Beccaria advocated the abolition of the death penalty and of torture as part of legal proceedings.
The book helped set off movements that removed torture within the criminal justice system. At the outset of the 1700s, every European country allowed torture in its criminal law code. By the end of the century no European country did.
Thus, the power of one person.
The abolition of torture affected the legal system, but unfortunately, it did not end the use of torture in other circumstances. The 19th and 20th centuries continued to see torture employed during times of revolution and war.
Up to the 17th century, the legal system believed that torture was absolutely essential for the protection of society. But because of people like Cesare Beccaria, within 100 years torture was dropped from the legal system.
Now we need another individual in our day who will stand up and show us that those who believe that torture can still be used to protect national security are wrong. Torture is inhuman and unnecessary.
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This month our contributor is Father Seamus Walsh of St. John’s Catholic Church in Grand Marais.
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