Social Injustices

Aftermath of the Holocaust Assignment

In groups of 4-5, form a defense team opening statement that will be given at a post-WWII trial. You should consider that the defendants, your clients, are alive and at your table as you approach the court. Your goal is to deliver a 1 ½-2-page statement that will be read in front of the class. This statement should defend one of the following groups of people involved in the Holocaust:

· Nazi doctors involved in the T-4 program

· Camp guards

· German soldiers, such as the reserve policemen in Ordinary Men

· Bystanders

· Nazi elite – Hitler’s inner circle of advisors

Statements should be general, yet focused enough that the group demonstrates comprehension of not only the events of the Holocaust, but the Nazi ideology that promoted it. Of course, the main defense strategy should be obvious from their presentation. Liberal use of in-room resources is required, and citation of any source documents is encouraged.

Opening statements will be delivered in class, and the class as well as the instructor may ask a few questions after the group’s delivery of said statement. The group’s grade will be determined by how well their arguments set up their strategy in the trial, historical accuracy, and ability to explain their position when questioned.

Students have 1½ class periods to complete the assignment.