The Nuremberg trials were international criminal trials held by France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States against leaders of defeated Nazi Germany for plotting and carrying out invasions of several countries across Europe and committing atrocities against their citizens in the Second World…
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The Nuremberg Trials, 1945–1946
When Nazi leaders faced justice
After the Second World War, the victorious Allies (the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and France) did something new. Instead of simply punishing the defeated, they put Nazi leaders on trial before an international court in the German city of Nuremberg.
Starting in November 1945, 22 senior figures, including Hermann Göring, faced charges that included crimes against humanity. Twelve were sentenced to death. The trials established a principle that still shapes international law: "I was only following orders" is no defence for atrocities. They paved the way for today's International Criminal Court.
Did you know?The trials were the first to use simultaneous translation through headphones on a large scale, the birth of modern conference interpreting.
The 81st anniversary falls on November 20, 2026.
