Respond to the following discussion-

Discuss what is meant by the phrase “Crime Against Humanity.” What is the proper punishment for someone who has committed a crime against
humanity? In answering this, please consider what choices did people have once their country became occupied by an invader? Considering the level of
violence perpetrated against combatants and non-combatants, was the post-World War II period a moment for formal justice or revenge? Is, “I was following
orders,” a proper defense for committed an act of mass murder?

Response

The phrase “crime against humanity” refers to widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, enslavement, torture, and deportation. These acts go beyond ordinary crimes, targeting populations rather than individuals, and are universally recognized as offenses requiring accountability under international law.

The proper punishment for such crimes should be legally grounded and focused on justice rather than revenge. Post-World War II tribunals, such as the Nuremberg Trials, set a precedent by prosecuting perpetrators with penalties ranging from long-term imprisonment to the death penalty, based on the severity of their actions. These trials emphasized due process and fairness, establishing a framework for international justice.

During occupation, individuals faced difficult choices—resist and risk death, comply under duress, or prioritize survival. While coercion may influence sentencing, it does not absolve responsibility for deliberately harming civilians. The defense of “I was following orders” is insufficient, as the Nuremberg principles affirm that individuals are accountable for mass atrocities.

Given the unprecedented scale of violence, the post-war period aimed to establish formal justice, not revenge. By holding perpetrators accountable while adhering to legal standards, the international community affirmed that crimes against humanity require principled punishment and a commitment to human rights, ensuring accountability and deterrence for future generations.