MovieChat Forums > Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) Discussion > Just use veritaserum on Harry and all is...

Just use veritaserum on Harry and all is resolved

posted 2 years ago by [deleted]
6 replies | jump to latest

Hey Harry, did you actually need to use a spell in self defense against Dementors? Oh wait, let's drug you with veritaserum and find out.

Oh did you also happen to actually witness Voldemort coming back? Cool, no reason not to believe you then. Let's all unite against him.

What's that? There are people still unsure that what Harry is saying is true? Ok, just use the Pensieve and we can all literally see what he saw.

Oh, maybe he tricked both ways? Ok, let's just use Imperius Curse on him and force him to tell the truth.

I mean jesus, so many ways to solve that stupid trial in the beginning. I'm sure Harry would have been ok with either of those methods to prevent being expelled from school. It's not like those methods hurt or anything.

[–] Costumer (1789) 2 years ago

You missed the explanation from Chamber of Secrets that use of veritaserum was forbidden? Meaning it was likely illegal? As such things should be.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

I forgot but Imperius Curse was forbidden as well. If Harry didn't mind it being performed on him, why did it matter? Harry had nothing to lose if they got the truth out of him, one way or another.

[–] Costumer (1789) 2 years ago

When did Harry agree to have the Imperius Curse performed on him?

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

No, i meant if Harry would have agreed to it. All 3 methods of finding out the truth seemed pretty harmless so i see no reason for Harry to ever refuse it, if given the chance.

[–] Costumer (1789) 2 years ago

According to the books and the films the Imperius Curse is forbidden. The subjects agreement is irrelevant. Merely casting it is supposed to send you to Azkaban.

Now, there are contradictions, of course. Moody cast Imperius in Goblet of Fire, albeit on a spider. Perhaps that is allowed?

Also to be considered, Harry is a minor. Minors don't, generally, have the ability (legally) to wave their rights or agree to things that are illegal. Now, in the real world there are exceptions and ways around some of that. Whether it can be circumvented in the Wizarding world is debatable.

Now, personally, techniques that force you to do anything as investigative methods are suspect and should be used only with the greatest of caution and with full legal formalities in place. You could argue that the council/court proceeding at the beginning of the book/film would satisfy that concern. But given the obvious bias of Fudge, Umbridge, and others on the council, I would question their competence to administer any exceptions.

[–] [deleted] 2 years ago

Imperius Curse is forbidden. The subjects agreement is irrelevant.

I feel like it should be relevant what the subject wants for that curse. For example it's illegal to enter a person's house but completely ok if they let you. All 3 truth seeking methods seem completely harmless. So the only reason to not perform it on someone is if the subject doesn't want to.

They could have went with the minor aspect but considering the crazy danger the kids are in every year at school, i doubt anyone cares much.

The Pensieve thing also didn't seem illegal as far as i can recall. It would have been the best choice as well because they can all see, not just hear Harry talking about it.

The only reason not to use it seems to be plot convenience.

Moody cast Imperius in Goblet of Fire, albeit on a spider. Perhaps that is allowed?

I think that was Dr Who disguised as Moody. It would explain why he tried to teach the kids naughty magic with no regards for the rules.

But then Umbridge almost does to on Harry near the end of the movie in front of many witnesses. Then again she's just a psycho so it doesn't count either.