Justice After the Holocaust Using the Resources of Facing History to teach Justice After the Holocaust
Chapter 10: Judgement and Justice https://www.facinghistory.org/holocaust-and-human-behavior/chapter-10
Set Induction: Think of a time when someone wronged you or someone you care about. Maybe you or someone you love was treated unfairly on purpose, or maybe it was an accident. Think Pair Share: After this event, what would have needed to happen for “justice to be served”?
“Justice is…”
Essential Questions of the Unit: What is justice? Can justice be achieved? If yes, how? If no, is there merit in trying?
Final Essay Prompt: Respond to the statement: “Justice was achieved after the Holocaust.” Explain whether you agree or disagree, using specific examples from our studies.
Include key terms: Crimes Against Humanity International Law Justice Rights Evidence Ex-post facto justice / victor’s justice Vengeance, revenge Nuremberg trials Responsibility Reparations Punishment Repair Healing Forgiveness
Four Corners Activity: Decide whether you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD) with each statement provided. (Based on “Anticipation Guide”)
Four Corners Activity: Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)? “It is possible to achieve justice for the crimes committed during the Holocaust.”
Four Corners Activity: Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)? “The victors in a war have the right to punish the defeated countries however they wish.”
Four Corners Activity: Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)? “Those responsible for the Holocaust should have been immediately killed or jailed; they do not have a right to a trial in a court of law.”
Four Corners Activity: Do you Strongly Agree (SA); Agree (A); Disagree (D); or Strongly Disagree (SD)? “Bringing perpetrators to justice in courts is an effective way to prevent future crimes.”
“Nuremberg Remembered” (Video): It so important to listen to the voices of those who experienced these events and see historical footage from the period. Link to the Video
Gallery Walk: Add your comments, questions to each of the texts. Respond to the comments and questions of others. (Activity based on HHB readings and handouts.)
Debrief: In what ways did the texts address the Essential Questions of the unit: What is justice? Can justice be achieved? If yes, how? If no, is there merit in trying?
Enrichment Activity: Read and discuss “The Sunflower” by Simon Wiesenthal and consider: What is the relationship between “Justice” and “Forgiveness”? Are there actions that are unforgivable? What would the world be like without forgiveness?