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OLC Memo re: Elements of the crime of torture

OLC | ACLU-RDI 4559

An OLC memo from John Yoo to John Rizzo regarding "what is necessary to establish the crime of torture."  The memo states that an individual must act with the "specific intent" to inflict severe mental pain or suffering to have committed torture, and that "specific intent" can be negated by a showing of "good faith," including evidence of efforts to determine the long-term impact of conduct. [The redacted name at the end of the memo is "Jennifer Koester," which we know from a separately released version of the memo - ACLU-RDI 4575.] [OLC Vaughn Index #1]

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