The first five chapters address various aspects of torture and other ill treatment, especially that which typically occurs during postarrest and interrogation procedures. The discussion encompasses standard-setting by the United Nations General Assembly in the mid-1970's, an exposition of the current legal status of torture and other ill treatment, and factors in determining whether practices constitute torture. The next two chapters focus on executions, including extralegal executions and formally pronounced death sentences without the safeguards required by international law. A chapter examines unacknowledged detention ('disappearances'), exploring the main legal provisions it flouts. Prison conditions and corporal punishment are considered in two chapters. Chapters on internationally prescribed rules deal with legal safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention, along with internationally approved codes of ethics for police officials and medical personnel. Chapter footnotes; a table of cases; a table of treaties and other international instruments; annexes of various pertinent conventions, declarations, and charters; chapter summaries; and subject index.