:21:01
What is the character of Ernst Janning?
:21:06
Let us examine his life for a moment.
:21:10
He was born in 1885.
:21:12
Received the degree
of Doctor of Law in 1907.
:21:15
Became a judge in East Prussia in 1940.
:21:18
Following WWI, he became one
of the leaders of the Weimar Republic...
:21:22
and was one of the framers
of its democratic constitution.
:21:24
In subsequent years
he achieved international fame...
:21:27
not only for his work as a great jurist,
but also as the author of legal text books...
:21:31
which are still used in universities
all over the world.
:21:34
He became Minister of Justice
in Germany in 1935.
:21:39
If Ernst Janning is to be found guilty...
:21:42
certain implications must arise.
:21:45
A judge does not make the laws.
:21:50
He carries out the laws of his country.
:21:54
The statement:
:21:56
"My country, right or wrong... "
:22:00
was expressed by a great American patriot.
:22:05
It is no less true for a German patriot.
:22:11
Should Ernst Janning have carried out
the laws of his country?
:22:15
Or should he have refused to carry them out
and become a traitor?
:22:19
This is the crux of the issue
at the bottom of this trial.
:22:26
The defense is as dedicated
to finding responsibility...
:22:31
as is the prosecution.
:22:34
For it is not only Ernst Janning
who is on trial here...
:22:42
it is the German people.
:22:48
The tribunal will recess
until further notification.