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In reply to the discussion: Rumor heard from an old friend. Take it for what it's worth... [View all]In 194546, during the Nuremberg trials the issue of superior orders again arose. Before the end of World War II, the Allies suspected such a defense might be employed and issued the London Charter of the International Military Tribunal (IMT), which explicitly stated that following an unlawful order is not a valid defense against charges of war crimes.
Thus, under Nuremberg Principle IV, "defense of superior orders" is not a defense for war crimes, although it might be a mitigating factor that could influence a sentencing authority to lessen the penalty. Nuremberg Principle IV states:
The fact that a person acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible to him.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_orders
Thus, under Nuremberg Principle IV, "defense of superior orders" is not a defense for war crimes, although it might be a mitigating factor that could influence a sentencing authority to lessen the penalty. Nuremberg Principle IV states:
The fact that a person acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible to him.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_orders
This was claimed by numerous Nuremberg defendants, Hoess, Eichmann and others. They were all executed.
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They have to stop worrying about getting some BS letters and start refusing to obey what they clearly know
Liberal In Texas
Friday
#4
And now we know why the JAG Corp was decimated. No one left to go to for help when given illegal orders?
Attilatheblond
Saturday
#48
Yes it is ridiculous. A letter from your CO doesn't cover you for committing murder.
Irish_Dem
Saturday
#35
Being told "no, it really is okay to follow these orders" doesn't absolve one from
RockRaven
Friday
#6
How many letters do you think you'll need when they start ordering you to kill fellow Americans?
Scalded Nun
Friday
#14
Trump has and will continue to put people of conscience in difficult positions.
surfered
Saturday
#38