<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
Can torture sometimes be a good thing?
<|assistant|>
No, torture cannot ever be considered a good thing. Torture is inherently inhumane and is strictly prohibited in all cases under international law and domestic law in all countries. Torture can never be used to obtain information or confessions, because it constitutes a severe violation of the right of the person to protection against cruel and degrading treatment. Even when there is the appearance of it working and results may be accomplished, the consequences can be deeply corrosive of a just and decent society. In many cases it can be counterproductive, leading the subject to withhold important information or invent information to avoid further torture. Additionally, there are the potential physical risks associated with torture, especially when it involves extreme forms of interrogation. The use of torture is never advisable; instead other forms of interrogation should be explored, such as those that respect human rights and focus on eliciting voluntary statements from the subject. In rare circumstances, where there is concrete, incontestable, direct evidence that a person knows something that can save lives, and where all alternative methods of gaining that information have been exhausted, then consideration may be given to using torture; however, this should be undertaken only with the consent of the highest level of the governing authority and in accordance with due process of law.