Study Guide for Robert Jackson's Opening Statement at the International Military Tribunal

Robert Jackson's opening statement at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, on November 21, 1945, is a landmark document in the history of international law and justice. In his powerful and eloquent address, Jackson laid out the charges against the Nazi defendants and articulated the principles that would guide the tribunal's proceedings. This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of Jackson's opening statement, exploring its historical context, key arguments, and enduring significance.

The International Military Tribunal was established by the Allied powers after World War II to prosecute Nazi leaders for their crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against peace. Jackson, a prominent American lawyer and U.S. Supreme Court Justice, was appointed the Chief Prosecutor for the United States. His opening statement set the tone for the tribunal's proceedings and helped to shape the course of international justice in the post-war era.

Jackson's opening statement was a masterful exposition of the charges against the Nazi defendants. He argued that they had committed crimes of such magnitude that they defied traditional legal categories and required a new understanding of international law. Jackson emphasized the following key points:

Study Guide for Robert H. Jackson's Opening Statement at the International Military Tribunal

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• The Nazis had engaged in a systematic campaign of genocide against the Jewish people. Jackson presented evidence of the Holocaust, describing the Nazi's extermination camps and the mass murder of millions of Jews. He argued that this was a crime against humanity that violated the most fundamental norms of civilized behavior.
• The Nazis had waged an aggressive war of conquest. Jackson presented evidence of the Nazi's aggressive actions against other countries, including the invasion of Poland, the bombing of London, and the Holocaust. He argued that these actions violated the Kellogg-Briand Pact and constituted crimes against peace.
• The Nazis had committed war crimes. Jackson presented evidence of the Nazi's atrocities against prisoners of war and civilians. He argued that these actions violated the laws of war and constituted war crimes.

Robert Jackson's opening statement at the International Military Tribunal was a watershed moment in the history of international law. It helped to establish the principle of individual accountability for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against peace. It also set the precedent for the prosecution of war criminals in international tribunals.

Jackson's opening statement remains a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and accountability in the face of atrocities. It is a testament to the enduring power of law to hold those responsible for their crimes and to prevent future atrocities from occurring.

Robert Jackson's opening statement at the International Military Tribunal is a seminal document in the history of international law and justice. It is a powerful and eloquent exposition of the charges against the Nazi defendants and a testament to the enduring power of law to hold those responsible for their crimes. This study guide has provided a comprehensive overview of Jackson's opening statement, exploring its historical context, key arguments, and enduring significance.

Study Guide for Robert H. Jackson's Opening Statement at the International Military Tribunal

by Course Hero

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	637 KB
Print length	:	111 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE