NCJ Number
75630
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Myths and realities about crime and prisons are discussed in this pamphlet favoring the abolition of prisons and alternatives to incarceration.
Abstract
Myths about prisons include the existence of a criminal type, the incidence of various types of crime, the belief that punishment deters crime and that prisons protect society, and the cost effectiveness of prisons. Abolitionists argue that imprisonment is morally indefensible and focus instead on restoring both those defined as criminals and those defined as victims to their full humanity, integrity, and dignity. Abolitionists see themselves as allies of prisoners, rather than as traditional helpers, in efforts to gain empowerment for the incarcerated. They view crime as a consequence of inequities in the social and economic structure of society and argue that efforts to reduce crime should focus on community change strategies. Alternatives include decriminalization of victimless crimes, elimination of bail and pretrial detention, use of diversion projects, reconciliations between perpetrators and victims, fines according to ability to pay, equal accountability based on class codes, victim and offender self-help programs, therapy, neighborhood assistance programs, an end to sensationalization and stigmatization of criminal activity, full employment, and elimination of discrimination. The names and addresses of resource groups and 12 references are included.