Nuremberg Principles

The Nuremberg Principles are a set of guidelines established after World War II to define when individuals can be held accountable for serious crimes like war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. They emphasize that people cannot escape responsibility simply by following orders or acting on behalf of a government. These principles assert that individuals have a duty to refuse illegal or immoral commands and that responsible persons can be prosecuted regardless of their official position. They laid the foundation for modern international criminal law, promoting accountability and justice for atrocities committed during conflicts.