What really is torture?

In my English class today, we were developing presentations about an essay in our textbook. Its about different forms of torture that the American system used under the Bush Administration. These included sleep deprivation, physical abuse, etc. In my presentation, I elaborated on one popular form of abuse used in slavery: WHIPPING. I also included a pictured of an enslaved man who's plantation overseer constantly whipped him in his back whenever he wasn't "working up to standard". This caused his back to become filled with layers of scars that looked like vines.
How can anyone do such a horrible thing to another human being?? Where in their hearts can they find the strength to inflict such wounds upon a fellowman? These are the questions that haunt me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that torture is wrong in all situations. Maybe in life threatening cases, a little torture wouldn't be so bad. But for something as simple as sitting down for a rest? Come on!!!

What are your takes on torture? What methods, if any, do you believe are better to use? Share your views on this topic by commenting on this post!! Looking forward to see your comments :)