Nuremberg Code

Society's high regard for the medical profession, however, was not to last. At the end of World War II, 23 Nazi doctors and scientists were put on trial for the murder of concentration camp inmates who were used as research subjects. Of the 23 professionals tried at Nuremberg, 15 were convicted, 7 were condemned to death by hanging, 8 received prison sentences from 10 years to life, and 8 were acquitted. [mitscherlich & mielke] Included in the legal judgment and sentences handed down at the culmination of the trial were ten points describing required elements for conducting research with humans. These points became known as the Nuremberg Code.

In summary, the Nuremberg Code includes the following guidance for researchers:

* Informed consent is essential.

* Research should be based on prior animal work.

* The risks should be justified by the anticipated benefits.

* Only qualified scientists must conduct research.

* Physical and mental suffering must be avoided.

* Research in which death or disabling injury is expected should not be conducted.