Justice Robert H. Jackson was the prosecutor during the Nuremberg Trials. Read his opening statement to the trials. The wrongs we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant, and so devastating, that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated. That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgement of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power has ever paid to Reason. Why were the Nuremberg Trials, and what happened to the "captive enemies" on trial, so momentous? Responses It demonstrated that new international laws would not be necessary, because all nations could use Common Law in cases concerning human rights. It demonstrated that new international laws would not be necessary, because all nations could use Common Law in cases concerning human rights. It demonstrated that world leaders could be held accountable for breaking laws that crossed international boundaries. It demonstrated that world leaders could be held accountable for breaking laws that crossed international boundaries. It demonstrated that most people were more interested in condemning the men on trial than going to court. It demonstrated that most people were more interested in condemning the men on trial than going to court. It demonstrated that, as long as civilians or soldiers were only following orders, they would not be convicted or indicted in international court.