50 Years of Zentrale Stelle and Criminal Prosecution of Nazi Crimes in Federal Republic of Germany

The thesis "50 Years of Zentrale Stelle and Criminal Prosecution of Nazi Crimes in Federal Republic of Germany" describes an institution formed in 1958 in Ludwigsburg. The purpose ofthis institution is to conduct comprehensive research on Nazi crimes, committed especially in Eastern Europe, as well as the subsequent preparation and coordination of criminal prosecution. Since 1958, almost all court trials of Nazi criminals have been closely linked to this organization and are backed by investigations and research of its members. During its 50 years of existence, the Zentrale Stelle has managed to assemble a unique archive of documents and authentic materials, thus contributing significantly to the historical research on Nazi criminals and their crimes. The submitted work describes first the organization itself, its activities and the issues it faces. Further on, it presents an overview of the Zentrale Stelle's results in respect to the overall persecution of Nazi criminals by (West) German courts. Significant attention is also devoted to the present situation in Ludwigsburg and the local collection. An office of Bundesarchiv and a research office of Stuttgart University were established in the Zentrale Stelle to elaborate the documents and materials ofthe archive.