We are aware that this decision [banning torture] does not ease dealing with that reality [of terrorist attacks on Israelis.] This is the destiny of democracy, as not all means are acceptable to it, and not all practices employed by its enemies are open before it. Although a democracy must often fight with one hand tied behind its back, it nonetheless has the upper hand. Preserving the Rule of Law and recognition of an individual’s liberty constitutes an important component in its understanding of security. At the end of the day, they [add to] its strength…
From Public Committee Against Torture v. State of Israel, 1999. Read it tonight in criminal law, as part of a section on the defense of necessity. Sigh. All too timely. :/