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October 29, 2010

A Forum on the Law - November 16: How the Courts Failed Germany

It could almost be said that the legal profession in pre-World War II Germany played neatly into the Nazis’ hands. When Adolf Hitler took power in 1933, most judges were not members of the National Socialist party. But many had begun to view the existing Weimar Republic, born of revolution in 1918, as illegitimate, setting the stage for a willing acceptance of transformation — disguised as reform— of the judicial system.

Join historian Dr. William Meinecke for a compelling discussion of targeted minorities, the ultimate loss of judicial independence in Nazi Germany during World War II and the reign of terror imposed by the Nazi legal system from 1942 until 1945.

Dr. Meinecke is in the Education Division of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He joined the staff of the museum’s Wexner Learning Center in 1992. For the next eight years, he assisted in the design of programs focusing on the Holocaust.

There is no charge for the forum presented by the Columbus Jewish Federation, Ohio Jewish Communities, and Ohio Judicial Center Foundation and the Supreme Court of Ohio. Registration opens at 5:30pm, program begins at 6:00pm. A kosher reception will be provided, and all dietary laws will be observed.

Building guests must present photo identification. RSVP to events@sc.ohio.gov or 614/387.9267 by Friday, November 12. Driving directions and parking information are available on the Ohio Supreme Court's website.