Justice Quest Worksheet
Verdict Quest
Nuremberg Trials Analysis & Writing Planner
Agent:
Date:
The Mission
"Do you think the Nuremberg Trials did enough to punish the Nazis for the Second World War and the Holocaust? Explain using at least 2 specific examples from our class notes and videos."
Constraint: Do not use personal pronouns like "I", "me", or "my" in your response.
Historical Word Bank
Crimes against humanity Superior orders International precedent Accountability Sovereignty Acquittal Execution Justice served
Writing Outline
Part 1: The Claim (Thesis Statement) Starter: The Nuremberg Trials were [effective/ineffective] because...
Part 2: Evidence Example #1 Starter: One specific example of justice being served was...
Part 3: Evidence Example #2 Starter: Another piece of evidence that shows [effectiveness/shortcomings] is...
Part 4: Conclusion (Lasting Impact) Starter: Historical evidence suggests that the trials established...
Final Inspection Checklist
Opinion is clear and does not use "I", "me", or "my".
Included at least two specific historical examples from class.
Checked all spelling, capitalization, and grammar.
Used historical terms from the Word Bank.
Verdict Key Teacher Guide
Verdict Key
Teacher Guide
Nuremberg Trials Analysis Exemplars & Grading Rubric
Instructional Goal
Students will evaluate the effectiveness of the Nuremberg Trials by synthesizing class materials into a formal, objective argument. The primary focus is on removing personal pronouns while maintaining a strong, evidence-based stance.
Exemplar A: Justice was Sufficient
"The Nuremberg Trials were successful because they established that individual leaders are responsible for crimes against humanity, regardless of whether they were 'following orders.' For example, the execution of high-ranking officials like Joachim von Ribbentrop proved that war crimes would be met with the ultimate penalty. Additionally, the trials created a permanent historical record of the Holocaust, ensuring the world could never deny the evidence presented by the International Military Tribunal. These trials were enough to set a precedent for global justice."
Exemplar B: Justice fell short
"The Nuremberg Trials did not do enough to punish the Nazis because only a small fraction of responsible individuals were ever brought to court. While major figures were sentenced, thousands of other participants returned to civilian life with minimal consequences. Furthermore, the acquittal of defendants like Hjalmar Schacht demonstrates that the legal process often failed to hold those who funded the war machine accountable. Because so many escaped justice, the trials served as a symbolic victory rather than a complete punishment for the atrocities committed."
Resource Reference
Checklist Requirements
- No "I", "me", or "my"
- Two specific historical examples
- Checked spelling/grammar/caps
- Used Word Bank terms
Key Vocabulary
Crimes against humanity Superior orders Acquittal Precedent
Grading Criteria
Constraint Adherence No use of "I", "me", "my" or other personal pronouns.
5 Points
Evidence Depth Two specific historical examples from class notes/videos.
5 Points
Historical Analysis Argument clearly explains how evidence supports the claim.
5 Points
Conventions Accurate spelling, capitalization, and grammatical structure.
5 Points
Total Score: / 20
