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War Crimes Precedent Resurfaces in Modern Legal Debate

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sidney Blumenthal referenced a 1945 war crimes judgment concerning the killing of seamen during World War II.
He cites a 1919 German case convicting two U-86 officers for attacking survivors aboard the Canadian hospital ship Llandovery Castle.
The court called the prohibition "simple" and "universally known," rejecting the orders defense.
William Schabas, professor of international law at Middlesex University, says the precedent remains relevant and appears in the Rome Statute.

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Story summary

Sidney Blumenthal referenced a 1945 war crimes judgment concerning the killing of seamen during World War II.
He cites a 1919 German case convicting two U-86 officers for attacking survivors aboard the Canadian hospital ship Llandovery Castle.
The court called the prohibition "simple" and "universally known," rejecting the orders defense.
William Schabas, professor of international law at Middlesex University, says the precedent remains relevant and appears in the Rome Statute.