diff --git a/src/core.py b/src/core.py
index 4366de011..433e574a7 100644
--- a/src/core.py
+++ b/src/core.py
@@ -758,19 +758,23 @@ Space:") + " " + nice_free)
         deluge_core.scrape_tracker(unique_ID)
 
     def pause(self, unique_ID):
-        try:
-            deluge_core.pause(unique_ID)
-        except:
-            print "pause failed\n"
+        state = self.get_torrent_state(unique_ID)
+        if not state["is_paused"]:
+            try:
+                deluge_core.pause(unique_ID)
+            except:
+                print "pause failed\n"
 
     def resume(self, unique_ID):
-        try:
-            deluge_core.resume(unique_ID)
-            # We have to re-apply per torrent settings after resume. This has to
-            # be done until ticket #118 in libtorrent is fixed.
-            self.apply_prefs_per_torrent(unique_ID)
-        except:
-            print "pause failed\n"
+        state = self.get_torrent_state(unique_ID)
+        if state["is_paused"]:
+            try:
+                deluge_core.resume(unique_ID)
+                # We have to re-apply per torrent settings after resume. This has to
+                # be done until ticket #118 in libtorrent is fixed.
+                self.apply_prefs_per_torrent(unique_ID)
+            except:
+                print "pause failed\n"
 
     def pause_all(self):
         if self.config.get('max_active_torrents') != 0:
@@ -884,7 +888,6 @@ Space:") + " " + nice_free)
                 except DelugeError, e:
                     del self.state.torrents[torrent]
                     raise e
-
                 ret = unique_ID
                 self.unique_IDs[unique_ID] = torrent
                 self.state.torrents[torrent] = unique_ID