---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The privilege of opening the first trial…"
description: "\"“The privilege of opening the first trial in history for crimes against the peace of the world imposes a grave responsibility. The wrongs which we seek..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/994/robert-h-jackson-10128_being-ignored_the-privilege-of-opening-the-first-trial_120245.jpg"
---

#  The privilege of opening the first trial in history for…

![“The privilege of opening the first trial in history for crimes against the peace of the world imposes a grave responsibility. The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant and so devastating, that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored because it…” quote by Robert H. Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/994/robert-h-jackson-10128_being-ignored_the-privilege-of-opening-the-first-trial_120245.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/994/robert-h-jackson-10128_being-ignored_the-privilege-of-opening-the-first-trial_120245.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/994/robert-h-jackson-10128_being-ignored_the-privilege-of-opening-the-first-trial_120245.jpg)

> ““The privilege of opening the first trial in history for crimes against the peace of the world imposes a grave responsibility. The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant and so devastating, that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored because it cannot survive their being repeated. That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power ever has paid to Reason.””

[Robert H. Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-h-jackson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage emphasizes that establishing an international legal process for war crimes is a profound moral act, reflecting humanity’s commitment to reason over vengeance.

**In simple terms:** Holding war criminals accountable shows civilization’s reasoned restraint.

Key Takeaway

Legal accountability is a civilizational virtue.

Themes

justice war crimes morality international law

Mood

solemn determined

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

- International tribunals
- Human rights advocacy
- Post‑conflict reconciliation
- Policy drafting

Key Concepts

rule of law collective responsibility

Practical Applications

- Support impartial legal mechanisms for war crimes
- Educate about the importance of judicial restraint

Questions to Reflect On

- Can law ever fully replace the desire for vengeance?
- What safeguards ensure fairness in international tribunals?

A Different Perspective

Legal processes can be politicized, limiting impartiality.

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[Being ignored](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/being-ignored/) [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Injury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/injury/) [Judgment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judgment/) [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Privilege](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/privilege/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) [Trial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trial/) [Trials](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trials/) [Tribute](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tribute/) [Vengeance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vengeance/) [Victory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/victory/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/)

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