Many Nazi war criminals pleaded their innocence with what became known as the Nuremberg Defense, claiming that they were “just following orders”. As the video in the link shows (11 minute mark), their arguments were sternly rejected by the prosecution.
- Do you believe the defendant’s arguments excuse their actions? What factors do you consider when holding someone responsible for their behavior?
- Would such accountability be possible without the capacity to make free choices? Why or why not?