Footprints of the Evil: Techniques of Nazi Lawmaking

Abstract

We can recognize evil when we see it. But can we really? How about recognizing evil laws? Are there specific techniques that should trigger our internal alarm bells? Questions like these lead to the textual analysis of Nazi lawmaking. There is no period in history covered by more literature. But most books and papers process the facts before presenting them. By contrast, this paper lets the laws speak against themselves. The paper is part of an ongoing effort in providing an account of Nazi lawmaking within the broader topic of legal and constitutional history.

Keywords: Legislation, Constitutional History, National Socialism, Hitler Government, Nazi Rule

JEL Classification: K1, K19