Is Torture Moral?

Another political issue I have been following recently is that of torture. Torture is the intentional infliction of extreme physical suffering on some non-consenting and defenseless person. A U.N. symposium on torture in 1984 identified four reasons for torture, namely: (1) to obtain a confession; (2) to obtain information; (3) to punish; (4) to coerce the sufferer or others to act in certain ways. Supporters of torture say that in the case that vital information can be gleaned from a terrorist that would save American lives, then torture is moral. Critics of torture excoriate the supporters, saying it should never be used and is a greater evil than killing. George Bush and Dick Cheney's actions regarding torture were seen as transgressions of "moral law" (Bush and Cheney both authorized the use of torture by the CIA for Al-qaida detainees). Obama saw to it to eradicate torture as soon as he stepped into office. My view however is that in certain situations, torture is moral, and should be legal. Think of it this way, killing, and causing excruciating pain to someone can both be moral actions. When a police officer uses his gun to kill and save a life, he is applauded, not castigated. When doctors cut off limps and cause excruciating pain to save lives, they are also applauded. So then when can torture be moral? When thousand of Americans lives are at risk and a terrorist who has vital information that can save those lives won't speak. Thus, torture isn't immoral or moral, but the nature of the circumstances can be.