Nürnberg Trial And Its Contribution In Preventing Future War Crime
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 23, 2025
- 1 min read
Sarita Kumari & Rishabh Agrawal, Christ (deemed to be University) Lavasa, Pune
INTRODUCTION:
Nazi leaders on trial at Nuremberg (1945–46). The International Military Tribunal (IMT) at Nuremberg marked the first time an international court prosecuted national leaders for crimes of war. Convened by the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and France, the IMT tried major Axis officials for aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and conspiracy. The Tribunal’s solemn pronouncement that even heads of state would be held criminally responsible signalled a new era of individual criminal accountability. This paper traces Nuremberg’s historical background, its key legal innovations, and its far-reaching influence on later international law and institutions. It also considers whether Nuremberg has deterred future atrocities and examines critiques of the Tribunals, as well as how their legacy continues to evolve today.
LITERATURE REVIEW:
Author(s) & Year | Title / Source | Key Themes | Summary of Argument / Findings | Relevance to Nuremberg and War Crimes Prevention |
Telford Taylor (1970) | The Anatomy of the Nuremberg Trials | Firsthand account; legal process | Provides a detailed insider view of the trials and the rationale for prosecuting top Nazi officials. Emphasizes the rule of law over victor’s justice. | Establishes the trials as a legal watershed moment, influencing later tribunals and the ICC. |
Gary Jonathan Bass (2000) | Stay the Hand of Vengeance | Political context of war | Explores the political will behind the Nuremberg Trials and | Highlights how political support is essential for |
