Sir Geoffrey Lawrence DSO DL (Tr 1894), later Lord Oaksey, became President of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg 80 years ago today. The sheer magnitude of his historic opening statement continues to resonate today, in a world where the legacy of Nuremberg has shaped both international law and collective memories. In his opening statement he said “The trial which is now about to begin is unique in the history of the world and jurisprudence of the world and is of supreme importance to millions of people all over the globe. It is a public trial in the fullest sense “.

His portrait hangs in Hall at Haileybury as a reminder of one of our most eminent OHs and one this country’s greatest judges.