Customer Reviews

Beyond Justice: The Auschwitz Trial

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Wittman shows us the imperfections of the young West Germany, struggling to come to grips with an awful and recent past. One might reasonably wonder why the trial took place as late as 1963-5, when the war ended in 1945. Of course, in the immediate war years, the Allies conducted the Nuremburg trials, and West Germany as an independent country did not yet exist. But by the early 1950s, it did. Surely this trial could have started then.

Yet, as Wittman describes, many difficulties were encountered by the West German prosecutors, which probably helped push the trial date to into the 60s. They appear to have done a conscientious job. But they faced many constraints. Some of which was the sheer mass of evidence that surfaced as they prepared for trial. Insufficient resources seem to have been provided to them. Which led to only 20 defendents being put on trial in 1963, instead of the original 800 investigated.

The worst constraint was simply the use of a criminal code that was largely taken from pre-war years, and which simply proved inadequate in the face of the enormity of the crimes.

The title of this book is Beyond Justice. Far too restrained. Wittman's analysis makes it clear that a better title would have been Justice Denied.

I was very impressed with this book, my Uncle was on Trial in this Book, and was pleased with plenty of New Information that I didnt have, I was also impressed about the details of the Times in the Camps, and about the Officers & NCO's etc. I read also the deeds that some things my Uncle did, I am not ashamed on what happened, as I look at it that it all was part of the war, and with this book, I am shown what happened Good & Bad.
Rebecca Wittman must be praised on this Excellent publication, and hope she will continue to excell in her future Works.
Too my Late Uncle Hans, I will always remember your plight and never will Judge you.
Just wished I could have meet you in my Life time. RIP