Which 1945 courtroom trial prosecuted major Nazi leaders for crimes against peace and humanity?

The Nuremberg Trials prosecuted major Nazi leaders for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

The first and best-known Nuremberg proceeding took place before the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, from 1945 to 1946. The defendants included senior political, military, and economic leaders of Nazi Germany. The tribunal charged them with crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and conspiracy.

The trial established that individuals, not only states, could be held responsible under international law. It also rejected the idea that following orders automatically excused participation in criminal acts. On 1 October 1946, the tribunal delivered its judgment: 19 defendants were convicted on at least one count, three were acquitted, and several others did not stand trial.

The term Nuremberg Trials also describes twelve later American trials held between 1946 and 1949. These included the Doctors’ Trial and the Judges’ Trial. The first trial should therefore be distinguished from the later proceedings, even though all were held in Nuremberg.