Ideas

This lawyer turns real legal cases into page-turners

Oct 29, 2025
Philippe Sands, an international lawyer and bestselling author, delves into riveting legal histories that expose connections between Nazi leaders and Chilean dictator Pinochet. He recounts the landmark 1998 arrest of Pinochet in London and the ensuing legal battles. Sands shares fascinating insights on how the International Criminal Court has reshaped immunity laws and reveals chilling evidence linking former Nazis to Pinochet's regime. With warnings about the global erosion of legal systems, Sands emphasizes the importance of public engagement in preserving justice.
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INSIGHT

Nuremberg Rejected Absolute Immunity

  • Nuremberg established that former heads of state have no immunity for international crimes like genocide or crimes against humanity.
  • This principle abolished the old doctrine that power equals legal impunity and shaped later tribunals and the ICC.
ANECDOTE

Lviv Trip Sparked A Deep Personal Quest

  • Philippe Sands travelled to Lviv partly to find his grandfather's birthplace and discovered links to Lauterpacht and Lemkin there.
  • That trip sparked his book connecting his family history to the legal origins of crimes against humanity and genocide.
ANECDOTE

Rescinding An Honorary Doctorate

  • Sands recounts how researching East West Street led to the rescinding of Hans Frank's honorary doctorate in Modena and an invitation to speak.
  • He insisted on bringing Hans Frank's son Nicholas to the ceremony, creating a poignant public reckoning.
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