Therein lies the rub. Are the victims around? Are the perps around? Besides, there is this thing in law called the Statute of Limitations. I don't know what to make of it, but here is the Wiki definition:
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.
Statutes of limitations is predicated on the notion of fairness. Over time memories fade, evidence is lost or never found, and people prefer to get on with their lives without legal intrusions from the past. This idea is reflected in the various lengths of limitations periods. For example, some crimes such as murder or war crimes (see Rome Statute) are deemed so horrific that they have no limitations period in some jurisdictions. Generally, actions relating to real property have longer limitations periods and slander and libel usually have short periods. Japan is one country that does have a statute of limitations for murder. There, if murderers manage to evade the law for 25 years after committing a homicide, they will be free to go public with details of the crime.
From time to time, controversy arises because some horrific crimes have been discovered, but the perpetrator escapes due to the statute of limitation or prescription.
Another reason for statutes of limitations is closure, certainty, or repose. This encourages entities such as courts and law enforcement agencies to allocate resources to more timely concerns. The limitations period also permits entities and individuals to conduct their business without fear of being sued for something far in the past. For civil actions, statutes of limitations usually range between one and ten years. In Nevada, for example, it is two years and in New Mexico and New York, three.
I thought this was kind of interesting.
For example, some crimes such as murder or war crimes (see Rome Statute) are deemed so horrific that they have no limitations period in some jurisdictions.
I'm not even going that far, I just do not think Germany should benefit in the here and now, for something not to long ago. I am not saying they should never, ever be allowed to move on.
Germany: "We should have more power"
Poland: "Why?"
Germany: "We have more people."
Poland: Now how did that happen?
Germany: Well, you see, a few years ago, we wanted more power, so we kind of went out and killed alot of your folks, so now we outnumber you.
Poland stares in silence, for a few moments before responding.
Poland: WHAT????????? You came to our lands to increase your power, killed our people, and now say that since you have more people, you should have more power?
Germany: Yes, why that is quite logical, and besides, that was in the past.
Poland: So because you commit mass murder, and you want more power?
Germany: Mass murder is an ugly word, we prefer the term "participating in history", by the way, how is your parents doing?
Poland: You shot them, remember?
Germany: Well, you get my point, your family is smaller then mine, now give me more power.
Poland: Your mad.