Das Experiment mit der Wahrheit

Folter im Vorzimmer des Rechts

Abstract

The history of torture can be narrated as the history of law dealing with truth. This narration would not display the rise, culmination, decline and abolition of the practice of torture, but the history of the locations of truth.
Experiments with truth (tortures) were suspended when law lost its foundation in external and externally explorable truth. The very differentiated law of the modern period constructed its different truths, which always needed the proof of facts, in its clearly defined location. Truth was not to be revealed by an external power or extracted from bodies, but established internally. The history of torture and the history of the locations of truth thus both fit into the history of a law that has become selfsufficient.
Today, after an intermission of more than 200 years, torture is knocking at the door of law requesting admittance. The unexpected guest is bringing his old companion along – truth. It is an attractive proposal they offer, truth should be salvation. Torture could save life. Should we accept the offer?