Following the September 11 attacks in 2001 , several memoranda analyzing the legality of various interrogation methods were written by John Yoo from the Office of Legal Counsel . The memos , known today as the torture memos , advocate enhanced interrogation techniques , while pointing out that avoiding the Geneva Conventions would reduce the possibility of prosecution under the US War Crimes Act of 1996 for actions taken in the War on Terror . In addition , a new US definition of torture was issued . Most actions that fall under the international definition do not fall within this new definition advocated by the U.S
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Enhanced interrogation techniques