Eichmann Defense

The claim that someone was "only doing their job" or "merely following orders" to excuse causing grief to someone else when they could have just as easily been helpful. Eichmann was the chief organizer of the Nazi 'final solution' to the 'Jewish question' and claimed (unsuccesfully) at his trial that he had only done what he had been ordered to do.

Car owner: I was only gone for two minutes, how could you tow my car?
Meter Maid: (smugly) I'm just doing my job.
Car Owner: Oh yes. The Eichmann Defense

Weasle line-manager: I stopped your merit award this year but I'm only following departmental guidelines.
Employee: Ah yes. The Eichmann defense.

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