Short Answer 
The Nuremberg Trials were military tribunals post-World War II aimed at prosecuting key Nazi leaders for their roles in wartime atrocities, particularly the Holocaust. Charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, and conspiracy, the trials established accountability for war crimes and set important legal precedents for future international law.
Step 1: Understanding the Nuremberg Trials
The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held after World War II to prosecute prominent leaders of Nazi Germany. These trials aimed to address the horrific acts committed during the war, particularly focusing on those deemed responsible for the genocide known as the Holocaust. The trials set important precedents for international law and accountability for war crimes.
Step 2: Charges Against Nazi Leaders
During the trials, Nazi leaders faced various serious charges, reflecting their roles in orchestrating wartime atrocities. The key charges included:
- Crimes Against Humanity: This included the widespread persecution and extermination of civilians.
- War Crimes: Violations of the laws and customs of war, including the treatment of prisoners of war.
- Conspiracy to commit these crimes: Collaborating with others to enact these severe violations of human rights.
Step 3: Achievements and Impact
The outcomes of the Nuremberg Trials were significant in shaping international law and norms. They successfully identified and sanctioned numerous key figures in Nazi Germany. Key impacts included:
- Establishing the principle that individuals can be held accountable for actions taken during wartime.
- Setting legal precedents for future international criminal tribunals.
- Raising awareness about human rights and the need for international cooperation to prevent such atrocities.