“Report to the President by Mr. Justice Jackson, June 7, 1945”
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Robert H. Jackson’s Report highlights the progress he and his staff had made since he had been appointed Chief Prosecutor. The Report was released to the press and printed in many domestic and foreign newspapers. In his Report, Justice Jackson informs President Truman that he has chosen a staff from the department and agencies concern with the tribunal, developed a plan for preparing and trying the case, assigned tasks to various agencies, directed those involved in gathering evidence, and visited Europe to examine captured documents.
In addition to these achievements Justice Jackson also lays out the American philosophy for the trial. He states that the United States has a responsibility to conduct an investigation of the guilt or innocence of the so-called war criminals. He says that the American team would like to do this in cooperation with others nations but will act alone if necessary.
Justice Jackson’s justification of a legal solution to the problem of war criminals grows out of his dislike for the alternative solutions. He does not believe that the Nazi war criminals should be set free without answering for their actions. He writes, “To free them without trial would mock the dead and make cynics of the living” (Gerhart, 319). On the other hand Justice Jackson does not approve on execution without a trial. He believes that an action such as this would make the Allies no better than the Nazis.
For full text of the Report
Web page by Amy Suelzle
Revised 12/8/02