Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
42 U.S.C. 2000dd–0: Additional prohibition on cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishmentText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 42-THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 21D-DETAINEE TREATMENT

§2000dd–0. Additional prohibition on cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment

(1)  In general

No individual in the custody or under the physical control of the United States Government, regardless of nationality or physical location, shall be subject to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

(2)  Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment defined

In this section, the term “cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment” means cruel, unusual, and inhumane treatment or punishment prohibited by the Fifth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as defined in the United States Reservations, Declarations and Understandings to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment done at New York, December 10, 1984.

(3)  Compliance

The President shall take action to ensure compliance with this section, including through the establishment of administrative rules and procedures.

( Pub. L. 109–366, § 6(c) , Oct. 17, 2006 , 120 Stat. 2635 .)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, and not as part of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 which comprises this chapter.