Based on the theories of collective memory and social trauma developed by sociologists, the article studies legal aspects of the modern attitude towards history in general and historical memory in particular. The science distinguishes modern general, regional and national social traumas that can be prevented or overcome through legal tools. The authors explain such notions as “official memory policy” and “memorial laws”. It is demonstrated that unlike national legislation that contains judgments regarding events of the past, international law largely acts as a deterrent in respect to revision of the Nuremberg Trial, setting certain limits to the interpretation of historical facts and escalation of conflicts based on various assessments of historical heritage. Moreover, the standpoints of countries regarding the history issues are consolidated by the international legal institutions.