Lethal Violence Under the Auspices of Medicine: Criminolegal Insights Regarding Nazi Medical Experimentation in World War II

Hava Dayan (PhD, LLB), University of Haifa 

Medical experimentation on humans was criminalized under international law following the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi physicians were prosecuted. However, similar practices continued thereafter in several Western countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, Sweden and Canada. Focusing on Nazi Medical Crimes in WWII, this talk will present the first criminological investigation into this phenomenon, aiming to identify criminal clusters of varying degrees of harm and involving differing medical procedures: (1) experiments based on racial ideology, (2) military-related experiments, and (3) general medical experiments. The talk will conclude by offering preliminary proposals for legislative amendments and future research.

The presentation will be followed by discussion and drinks. The event is free. Advance registration below is required from all attendees.

This event will take place in accordance with the framework developed by a number of Oxford colleges, including Worcester College, to promote free speech at Oxford. Details of this framework and ‘tips’ for productive discussion of difficult topics are to be found at: www.worc.ox.ac.uk/fos. By attending this event, attendees agree to adhere to these guidelines and the terms and conditions of the event which uphold Worcester College’s commitment to freedom of speech: www.worc.ox.ac.uk/fos/massada-2025