Georg Konrad Morgen, German lawyer and judge (b. 1909)

Georg Konrad Morgen: An SS Judge's Complex Role and Post-War Testimony

Georg Konrad Morgen, born on June 8, 1909, and passing away on February 4, 1982, held a singular and often paradoxical position within the notorious Nazi regime. As an SS judge and lawyer, he was tasked with investigating a range of criminal activities that occurred within the very heart of the Third Reich's most brutal institutions: the Nazi concentration camps. His unique career path saw him ascend through the ranks of the Schutzstaffel (SS), eventually reaching the considerable standing of SS-Sturmbannführer, a paramilitary rank equivalent to a major in conventional armies.

Investigations Within Nazi Concentration Camps

Unlike many figures within the SS who were directly involved in the systemic atrocities, Morgen's role primarily involved internal investigations. He was notably active in examining cases of corruption, theft, and unauthorized killings committed by SS personnel within the concentration camp system. While these investigations did not challenge the fundamental policies of extermination or forced labor, they aimed to maintain a semblance of order and discipline within the SS itself, ensuring that abuses were conducted "officially" rather than through individual criminality or personal gain. For instance, he investigated figures like Karl Koch, commandant of Buchenwald and Majdanek, for embezzlement and murder, leading to Koch's eventual execution by the SS. Such actions, though rooted in the perverse justice system of the Third Reich, occasionally led to the uncovering of individual crimes that would otherwise have remained hidden.

The "Blutrichter" and "Bloodhound Judge" Nicknames

Morgen became known by the chilling moniker "Blutrichter," which translates directly to 'blood judge.' This designation was not merely a nickname but a formal acknowledgment of his authority as one of the few members of the Nazi judiciary explicitly authorized to issue death sentences. In a system where arbitrary power was rampant, the ability to condemn individuals to death underscored the immense judicial authority he wielded. Furthermore, he acquired another notable nickname, "The Bloodhound Judge." While often attributed to a mistranslation of "Blutrichter," this appellation also resonated with his perceived determination and doggedness in pursuing cases, even within the confines of the SS's own twisted legal framework, in his quest for what he considered "justice."

Post-War Life and Significant Testimony

After the collapse of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II, Georg Konrad Morgen's legal background and unique wartime experiences positioned him as a crucial witness in several post-Nazi trials. His testimony was sought in prominent proceedings, including the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and subsequent denazification trials, providing invaluable, albeit controversial, insights into the internal workings of the SS and the concentration camp administration. Despite his SS background, he was never convicted of war crimes himself, largely due to his specific role in investigating corruption rather than directly participating in atrocities. Following these pivotal appearances, Morgen resumed his legal career in Frankfurt, where he continued to practice law until his death.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georg Konrad Morgen

What was Georg Konrad Morgen's primary role during World War II?

Georg Konrad Morgen served as an SS judge and lawyer, primarily tasked with investigating crimes committed by SS personnel within Nazi concentration camps, focusing on issues like corruption, theft, and unauthorized killings to maintain internal discipline within the SS.

Why was Georg Konrad Morgen known as a "Blutrichter"?

He earned the title "Blutrichter" (blood judge) because he was one of the few individuals within the Nazi judiciary granted the authority to issue death sentences, highlighting the severe power he held over life and death.

What did Georg Konrad Morgen do after World War II?

After the war, Georg Konrad Morgen served as a key witness in several anti-Nazi trials, including those at Nuremberg, providing testimony about the internal operations of the SS and concentration camps. He then re-established his legal career in Frankfurt.

Was Georg Konrad Morgen ever prosecuted for war crimes?

No, Georg Konrad Morgen was never convicted of war crimes. His role as an investigator of SS corruption, rather than a direct perpetrator of atrocities, allowed him to avoid prosecution, though his position within the SS remains a subject of historical scrutiny.