CZ:Managing Editor/2010/002 - References to war criminals

The basic question: is it acceptable and objective to use, in general article text, the term "war criminal" to someone for which a great deal of incriminating data was listed, but was never tried and convicted by a court, such as Adolf Hitler or Josef Mengele? If that is unacceptable, should the words "war criminal" be deleted from a direct quote stating an expert opinion?

As a History and Military Editor, I would rule that the usage is acceptable, especially in the often-vague and unprecedented legal situation following WWII. I have not yet so ruled, as I'm the main author of the Mengele article. I'd hate to disturb Russell, another history editor, when he's overloaded with MC matters.

I will introduce the matter as part of a broader Editorial Council discussion of how Charter Article 19, in particular, overrides the older CZ: Neutrality Policy.

Howard C. Berkowitz 22:05, 13 November 2010 (UTC)

How on earth do you think that this question could fall under the jurisdiction of the Managing Editor? You, who fought bitterly practically to the last bunker in Berlin to *keep from having* a Managing Editor in the first place! This is clearly, clearly, clearly a matter for the Editorial Council, and no one else. And I certainly don't look forward to the arguments that are going to rage about this matter. Hayford Peirce 22:18, 13 November 2010 (UTC)