60 years since the Nazi war crime trials
Witnesses returned to an oak-paneled courtroom in
Nuremberg to reflect on the legacy of the trial of Germany's Nazi leaders which,
60 years ago Sunday, broke new ground in holding government leaders responsible
for wartime atrocities and human rights abuses.
Witnesses returned to an oak-paneled courtroom in Nuremberg to reflect on the legacy of the trial of Germany's Nazi leaders which, 60 years ago Sunday, broke new ground in holding government leaders responsible for wartime atrocities and human rights abuses.
In Courtroom 600 of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice on November 20, 1945, Hermann Goering, Rudolf Hess, Joachim von Ribbentrop and 18 other high-ranking Nazis pleaded innocent to a panel of judges representing the victorious allies -- the United States, Soviet Union, Britain and France.
Participants recalled that they realized even then that the then-new offenses of crimes against peace, waging a war of aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity were a key step in establishing an international system of justice.
"It set the precedent for the establishment of the international criminal court, which was needed," said Johann-Georg Hschaetzler, Hess' defense attorney.
An important standard in justice as much as jurisprudence. One that is recognized by most nations -- and should be by all.
Posted: Mon - November 21, 2005 at 06:19 AM