“Guinea Pigs in Chains”: A History of Medical Experiments on Prisoners

The Nuremberg Code Emerges

In response to the horrors of Nazi experimentation, the Nuremberg Code was established in 1947 as a cornerstone of modern medical ethics. This document outlined the essential rights of research subjects—especially the requirement for voluntary consent—and aimed to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable groups, including prisoners. The Nuremberg Code remains a vital reference for ethical standards in research. Read the full document at the NIH resource on the Nuremberg Code.