Eighty years ago, in a courtroom in Nuremberg, the world witnessed a groundbreaking moment in history: the first international tribunal to hold leaders accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Nuremberg Trials did more than bring Nazi leaders to justice, they reshaped the course of international law, established enduring legal principles, and raised profound ethical questions that continue to shape our world today.
In November 2025, the Robert H. Jackson Center will launch an unprecedented year-long international symposium in partnership with leading institutions from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Together, we will explore Nuremberg’s enduring legacy, confront the challenges of modern global justice, and reflect on what it means to pursue accountability in an ever-changing world.
The Nuremberg Trials were as much about ethics as they were about law. They helped establish the principle that no individual is above the law, regardless of political or military rank. But they were also a product of their time, with overlooked voices, gender-based crimes inadequately addressed, and limited diversity in the courtroom.
Today, the threats to justice have evolved. From cyberwarfare to environmental crimes, from gender-based violence in conflict to the rise of authoritarianism, the questions that Nuremberg first posed remain urgent, and in some cases, more complex than ever.
This anniversary is not about political debate. It is about historical reflection, rigorous dialogue, and the reaffirmation of core values: fairness, dignity, accountability, and the rule of law.
As Robert H. Jackson warned in 1945: “The record on which we judge these defendants today is the record on which history will judge us tomorrow.”
We invite you to join us in honoring that legacy, and ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
Save the Date: The symposium opens on November 21, 2025. Full program and registration details below as available.
Monday, December 1, 2025
12:30pm EST
17:30GMT
18:30 CET
11:30am CST
80 Years On: The Legacy of the Nuremberg Trials for Accountability
Friday, August 7, 2026
12:00pm EST
17:00GMT
18:00 CET
11:00am CST
Panel Title: To Be Determined
Portals to Peace Foundation
