English Explanatory Dictionary

Nuremberg defense

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An explanation offered as an excuse for behaving in a criminal or wrongful manner, claiming that one acted in this way because one was ordered by others (particularly superiors) to do so.
  2. An explanation offered as a defense to criminal or wrongful behavior, claiming that one is justified in not obeying a governmental order or a domestic law because the order or law is itself unlawful.

Pronunciation

/ˈnjʊəɹəmbəːɡ dɪˈfɛns/ /ˈn(j)ʊɹəmˌbɚɡ dɪˈfɛns/ En-au-Nuremberg defense.ogg

Word forms

Nuremberg defense Nuremberg defenses Nuremberg defence

Etymology

An allusion to a defense used by former Nazi officials prosecuted during the Nuremberg trials after World War II. The trials were held in Nuremberg in Bavaria, Germany.

Synonyms

lawful orders superior orders
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