The Absolute Prohibition of Torture: Human Dignity and the Limits of the Law

This essay is an in-depth reflection on the inviolability of human dignity, which in a modern rule-of-law state constitutes an insurmountable barrier, even in the face of extreme threats. The author confronts deontological ethics with utilitarianism, analyzing the notorious dilemma of the "ticking bomb" and the concept of Rettungsfolter. The text warns against mechanisms of dehumanization and the instrumentalization of regulations, which, under the pretext of necessity, can lead to the erosion of the foundations of humanism. Citing international case law and the psychological aspects of power, the article argues that any deviation from the absolute prohibition of torture is a slippery slope, threatening the very essence of a just system and the security of individuals in their relationship with the state apparatus.