Final answer:
War criminals following government orders can violate international law, particularly under the Nuremberg Principles, establishing individual accountability for war crimes beyond national directives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Convicted war criminals who were following their government's orders and had not violated any of their own country's laws would likely have breached international law, specifically the principles laid out by the Nuremberg Trials and the stipulations of the Geneva Conventions. Although they were following orders, these trials established the precedent that individuals could be held responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, regardless of domestic law or orders from superior officers.
War crimes, as defined by the Geneva Conventions, are prohibited actions during armed conflict that violate international agreements meant to protect civilians and prisoners of war. These atrocities are recognized as crimes against the international community and thus, subject to prosecution by international tribunals or domestic courts with jurisdiction over such crimes.
The correct answer to the student's question is:
a) Nuremberg Principles
b) International Law
c) Geneva Convention
d) None of the above
The most fitting response would be the Nuremberg Principles (a), as they were established specifically to address the responsibility of individuals for war crimes committed under government orders.