68th Anniversary of Opening Statement at Nuremberg Military Tribunal

Today, Nov. 21, 2013 marks the 68th anniversary of Justice Robert H Jackson's opening statement at Nuremberg. Everyone should spend some time reading Jackson's speech and thinking about how he laid out the case for the prosecution of defendants accused of horrific war crimes. In addition, his words should be viewed as they may relate to wars that have taken place since Nuremberg. Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other conflicts come to mind.

In this speech Justice Roberts was presenting the case on behalf of the International Military Tribunal. The international community knew it had to speak out and take actions against those who committed so many atrocities. Jackson was pointing out leadership responsibilities and roles. He hadn't yet dealt with the issues of those who were just following orders. That would come later. The speech he gave on Nov. 21, 1945 began the prosecution of many of the principle Nazi criminals and leaders who survived World War ll.

Jackson was aware that some may be critical of the trial as a vengeance trial put on by the 'winners ' of that terrible war. He knew history was being made at the trials but who knows how far he thought through the impact his words may have in the future. Jackson was an interesting figure, a Supreme Court Justice from Jamestown, NY who was asked to be the lead prosecutor at Nuremberg. He brought a history of law and judicial understanding to the process.

Here is the official published text of Justice Johnson's opening statement at Nuremberg. There's a lot more information to be found on Justice Jackson including his continuing role at Nuremberg at the Robert H. Jackson Center. Inc. Homepage.