Author Description

This book is one of the author's "Legal History of" series. The Second World War, the most widespread war in history, saw the rise not only of new technologies, new freedoms, new terrors, and a new world order, but of new legal issues. More well-known for the heroics of the “Greatest Generation,” this book tells the story of the legal side of the war. It uses a global perspective in looking at the legal situations in seven major countries affected by the war. Neither a general history of WWII nor a legal treatise, this is a legal history lying somewhere in between. Fifty (52) legal issues are identified from the war, ranging from subverting the judiciary in Nazi Germany and creating a divine military in Imperial Japan to the economic and social issues exemplified by the laws and cases that arose in the United States, from genocide and nuclear weapons to the return of financial and cultural assets. For each legal issue, the laws passed and the cases brought are discussed. In addition to presenting the story behind legal issues in the major countries in WWII, the book continues its practical approach by linking many of these issues to modern application. Up to half of the issues presented still resonate today in resolving the legal issues around current conflicts. So whether you want to read this book to gain a global perspective to WWII legal issues, gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues involved in such a widespread war, find out about little known issues, cases, or personalities, or discover the background for modern issues related to war, this book has something for everyone, lawyer, history buff, or general reader.