The attitude of Karl Brandt himself was proved by the statements of Bodelschwingh as the authoritative leader in matters of medical and nursery treatment among convinced Christians. Bodelschwingh’s attitude towards Karl Brandt would be inconceivable if he had enforced the liquidation of all undesirable sick persons. (Karl Brandt 115, Karl Brandt Ex. 91.)
The statement in the judgment of the International Military Tribunal is subject to revision on the grounds of the evidence material of this trial.
Legal Foundation of Medical Euthanasia
Position taken in the indictment
Position of the defense
The authorization of 1 September 1939 was a sufficient legal basis. (630-PS, Pros. Ex. 330.) The form of the authorization was sufficient.
The sheet with the golden eagle chosen for that purpose shows the special importance of the authorization.
No recipient was mentioned to whom the authorization in the form of a letter may have been addressed. (Tr. p. 2396.)
Karl Brandt took part in working out the text by inserting the words “under the most careful scrutiny of their state of illness.”