History Extra podcast The Nazis’ crimes laid bare
32 snips
Nov 23, 2025 
Philippe Sands, a writer and international law expert, delves into the Nuremberg Trials' harrowing moments. He vividly recounts Robert Jackson's powerful opening speech, establishing justice over vengeance. Sands shares insights into the courtroom's intimate setup and the chilling impact of concentration camp film screenings on both defendants and attendees. He also discusses common defenses, like ignorance, and the trial's evolving dynamics amidst early Cold War tensions. With personal anecdotes and a rich archival legacy, Sands brings this pivotal historical event to life.
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Trial Framed As Justice, Not Vengeance
- Robert Jackson positioned Nuremberg as reasoned justice, not revenge, addressing the world as much as the court.
- The opening framed the trials as a global precedent to prevent repetition of such crimes.
A Small, Intimate Courtroom
- The courtroom was unexpectedly small and intimate despite its cinematic appearance on film.
- Defendants sat in a wooden dock on the left facing judges and a central screen for films and witnesses.
German Defense Lawyers Shaped Proceedings
- All defense lawyers were German, reflecting local legal tradition that limited cross-examination.
- That legal culture affected defendants' ability to challenge witnesses compared with Anglo-American adversarial styles.
