From the horrors of Nazi concentration camps and the killing fields of Cambodia to the deserts of Darfur and the streets of Gaza, history reveals a haunting truth: human beings have shown a troubling capacity for cruelty. This course explores how the international community has responded to such atrocities by creating legal frameworks to deter and punish the gravest crimes—war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Beginning with the groundbreaking Nuremberg Trials, where for the first time in history, state leaders were held accountable for both wartime and domestic policies, we’ll trace the evolution of international criminal law. Through examining key moments and institutions—from Nuremberg to the establishment of the International Criminal Court—you’ll gain insight into the legal challenges and landmark decisions that shape the fight for justice on a global scale. Join the class and unravel the complex legal, ethical, and historical issues involved in holding perpetrators accountable for crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.