R v. Reeves Taylor

Abstract

International criminal law — Treaties — United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1984 (“UNCAT”) — UNCAT implemented in United Kingdom — Criminal Justice Act 1988 — Torture — Torture under UNCAT versus torture under international humanitarian law

Treaties — Interpretation — UNCAT — Vienna Convention on the Law of the Treaties, 1969, Articles 31 and 32 — Travaux préparatoires — Object and purpose of UNCAT — Subsequent practice — United Nations Committee against Torture — Scope of application of Article 1 of UNCAT — Scope of application of Section 134 of Criminal Justice Act 1988 — Correct interpretation of words “person acting in an official capacity”

State responsibility — Acts attributable to a State — State recognition — De jure versus de facto government — Governmental functions versus military activity — The law of the United Kingdom