The principle established by the Nuremberg Trials after World War II is the concept of individual accountability for war crimes. Held in 1945-1946, the trials prosecuted prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for crimes against humanity, genocide, and violations of war laws. The verdicts affirmed that individuals, including heads of state and military leaders, could be held legally accountable for their actions during wartime, promoting the idea that following orders does not exempt one from responsibility for heinous acts. This principle significantly influenced international law, establishing precedents for handling future war crimes and shaping the establishment of the International Criminal Court.