Nuremberg Trials

Definition

The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held after World War II by the Allied forces under international law and the laws of war. They were most notable for the prosecution of prominent members of the political, military, and economic leadership of Nazi Germany.

Analogy

Think about it like a big school tribunal where all the bullies are brought to justice. Just as in school where rules are set to maintain order and peace, international laws exist to prevent atrocities. When these rules are broken, those responsible must face consequences - this is what happened at Nuremberg.

Related terms

War Crimes: Actions carried out during the conduct of a war that violate accepted international rules of war.

Crimes Against Humanity: A category of legal offenses that involve acts causing great suffering or serious injury to body or mental health intentionally committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population.

Genocide: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular ethnic or national group with an aim to destroy that group completely.