Munich, 15 July 2025 – At the historic palace of justice in Munich, the “Tag der Rechtsreferendarinnen und Rechtsreferendare” (Day for Legal Trainees) brought together aspiring jurists from across Bavaria for a day of reflection on law’s role in an increasingly unstable world. A central moment of the event was the keynote address delivered by Prof. Dr Christoph Safferling, Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy.
In his speech, Prof. Dr Safferling posed a provocative question: “What does the Bavarian justice system have to do with the wars in Gaza, Syria and Ukraine?”
He went on to explain how international conflicts are not distant issues for legal professionals in Germany—but rather matters of direct relevance, especially when national courts, including those in Bavaria, are increasingly involved in investigating and prosecuting international crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Prof. Dr Safferling also highlighted the legacy of the Nuremberg Trials, noting that Bavaria, and particularly Nuremberg, remains symbolically and practically tied to the evolution of international criminal law.
The talk resonated strongly with the audience of young legal professionals, many of whom engaged in thoughtful discussion afterward about the responsibilities of national courts in a time when international justice mechanisms face growing challenges. (bk)