The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held after World War II to prosecute prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The first trial began in November 1945 and included key figures like Hermann Göring and Rudolf Hess. These trials established significant legal precedents by asserting that individuals, including heads of state, could be held accountable for international offenses. They aimed to promote justice and prevent future atrocities. The Nuremberg Trials also contributed to the development of international law and human rights norms, influencing subsequent trials in various nations.