Retour à Lemberg - 11 October 2017

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides valuable insights into the historical development of international criminal law, based on extensive archival research and personal narratives. Sands presents a compelling argument about the parallel yet distinct approaches of Lauterpacht and Lemkin, and how their ideas shaped the Nuremberg trials. His argumentation is solid, supported by primary sources such as court records, diaries, and interviews. The personal dimension adds emotional depth but does not undermine the scholarly rigor.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

Sands demonstrates high scientific rigor, citing specific documents, photographs, and testimonies. He references his own book, which won the Baillie Gifford Prize, indicating peer recognition. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on the city of Lemberg and its role in the origins of these legal concepts. The lecture is well-structured and the sources are credible, though as a book launch, it is not a formal academic presentation with citations.

The title 'Retour à Lemberg' accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the historical and personal connections to the city of Lviv (formerly Lemberg). The lecture explores the origins of genocide and crimes against humanity, aligning with the book's subtitle.

8/10

The lecture is given by a renowned international law professor and author, based on his award-winning book 'East West Street'. The content is well-researched, drawing on archival documents, personal testimonies, and legal history. The speaker's expertise and the institutional setting (Max Planck Institute) lend credibility. However, as a book launch talk, it is primarily an expert presentation rather than a peer-reviewed academic lecture.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction by Hélène Ruiz Fabri, director of the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg.
• 02:00Philippe Sands begins his lecture, setting the scene at the Nuremberg trials in 1946.
• 10:00Sands describes Hans Frank's visit to Lemberg in 1942 and his speech about the 'Jewish problem'.
• 20:00Introduction of Hersch Lauterpacht and his concept of 'crimes against humanity'.
• 30:00Introduction of Raphael Lemkin and his concept of 'genocide'.
• 40:00Sands discusses the Nuremberg trials and the inclusion of 'crimes against humanity' in the charter.
• 50:00Sands explains how Lemkin's term 'genocide' was included in the indictment despite opposition.
• 1:00:00Sands describes the personal connections between the protagonists and the city of Lviv.
• 1:10:00Sands recounts the testimony of his cousin Inka about the deportation of her mother.
• 1:20:00Sands reflects on the legacy of these legal concepts and their relevance today.

• East West Street: On the Origins of Genocide and Crimes against Humanity — The book by Philippe Sands, which is the subject of the lecture.
• Baillie Gifford Prize 2016 — Mentioned as the award received by the book.

• East West Street: On the Origins of Genocide and Crimes against Humanity — The book itself, which provides detailed evidence for the lecture's claims.