What defense did the defendants use during the Nuremberg Trials?

Answer 1

Some of the common defenses for the one hundred plus people who were tried were:

• He or she was only following orders.
• I did not know about the concentration camps or whatever they were charged with.
• It was war. You have to expect this (their charge) to happen in war.
• Hitler ordered it. I had to do it or be killed by Hitler.
• I was not there, never heard of it, I did not do it or this tribunal is not lawful.

They argued that the accused were simply 'obeying orders'.

Answer 2

During the Nuremberg Trials, the defendants used various defenses such as claiming they were following orders, denying knowledge of the atrocities, and arguing that the charges were politically motivated. Some defendants also sought to shift blame onto others or downplay their own role in the crimes.