Answers to ‘You Decide’ Questions

12.1: As a judge I would not grant the defense of duress simply for the fact that Erdemovic joined the war willingly. However, it is difficult holding an individual accountable if it is more likely than not that they were threatened with death into doing a criminal act.

12.2: While the greater good of the society is important I believe that there should be a balance between sacrificing privacy for security. We have examples all over the world where the idea guided by the principle of greater good for society is being taken advantage of.

12.3: Children that have committed war crimes ought to be charged with them (in juvenile court) if these crimes were not a result of coercion from an early age, which is typically the case with child soldiers.  Otherwise they should receive counseling and therapy for they themselves are victims.

12.4: Yes, it should divert from the fossil fuel industry. Profit that comes at the cost to our planet does no good to the future generations that the universities are claiming to be investing for.

12.5: International law should have enforcement power in order to prevent such developments. As president I would urge allies around the world to sanction and put a stop to this practice in the safest, least destructive manner.

12.6: Torture should not be allowed. Limited torture is still considered torture. There should be a general consensus on what is considered torture and what is not considered torture. With these unified guidelines there would be no reason to have torture warrants.