AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

Torture: Science & the Law
A Public Discussion sponsored by AAAS
Monday, June 28, 2004

AAAS Auditorium
9:30 AM-12:30 PM

In the past few weeks, the issue of torture has become a major focus of discussion and debate in the U.S. and news continues to filter in about the Iraq prisoner scandal. Much of the public debate has focused on understanding the legal requirements for prisoners of war codified in international humanitarian law. There has also been some public discussion about the potential value and implications of using torture as a means to extract information from terrorists.

There have been many important scientific studies about torture, both on the psychological dynamics of understanding why an individual may use torture and the psychological and physical health effects of torture. This event will feature two panels of experts discussing the legal issues of torture and prisoner treatment and the scientific research on torture.

This event is part of a series of international activities to observe the United Nation's International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26). This annual observance is intended to raise awareness about the prevalence of torture around the world and highlight the work of organizations in preventing torture practices and treating survivors of torture.

Space may be limited so please RSVP to using the online rsvp form by Monday June 21, 2004.

9:30 Coffee and Light Breakfast

10:00-11:15 Panel: Torture and the Law
Robert K. Goldman, J.D., Washington College of Law at American University
Meredith Larson, MPH, Amnesty International

11:15-12:30 Panel: Torture and Science
Martha K. Huggins, Ph.D., Charles A. and Leo M. Favrot Professor of Human Relations at Tulane University
Allen S. Keller, M.D., Program Director of the Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture