Eichmann Trial -- Session 1 -- Preliminary objections by Defense Counsel

Session 1. Begins during a recess called by Judge Landau. There are court officials and audience members moving around the courtroom, talking and organizing paperwork. The Judges enter and the trial commences. Dr. Servatius opens the proceedings with comments about the document Eichmann signed directly after his capture in Buenos Aires, May 1960; the document states that Eichmann is aware of his transgressions and is prepared to stand trial for his crimes. Furthermore, Eichmann promises to recount his involvement in the Holocaust as truthfully as possible. The defense claims that the document was signed under duress, and therefore could not stand as an admission of guilt nor be the basis of the courts' accusations against Eichmann. Servatius concludes with the opinion that Israel would not be able to conduct a fair trial as the Israeli government organized both Eichmann's kidnapping and trial despite policies established by the Law of Nations. Such actions show disregard for international law and therefore the court should not support such injustice. Attorney General, Gideon Hausner, responds to the Prosecution's claims: the Security Council previously discussed the question of jurisdiction, and it was decided that Eichmann should stand trial in Israel for his war crimes. To prove his claim, Hausner submitted into evidence "The Resolution of 23 June 1960" (T/1), the document detailing the Council's decision that the trial shall take place in Israel. Hausner continues by presenting preliminary evidence of Eichmann's guilt, as well as asserting that there was never a question of sovereignty between nations concerning the right to try Adolf Eichmann. Film ID 2003 ends as the court discusses the relevance of the document Eichmann signed in Buenos Aires (T/2).