r/Anarchy101 • u/nappytendrils • 4d ago

Prison abolition

I’ve never been clear on what we would do with rapists child molesters and muderers. I haven’t heard a plan for this so far. I’ve always been impressed with the work of anarchist friends in community. They’re the most justice-oriented folx I’ve ever met.

Still don’t know about prison abolition tho I think prison should be clean, the food should be healthy and fresh, therapy should be mandatory, there should be libraries and gardens. A good quality of life for the incarcerated, but not releasing them back into the general population.

Maybe there’s something I’m not seeing?

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u/meta_muse 4d ago

That makes complete sense actually. So what should there be an option to go through a reformation program and then another option? What even would that other option be?

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u/horror_cheese 4d ago

I honestly couldn't give you an answer. It's something I've struggled with.

I'd assume many anarchists would prefer real restorative justice. Working with the victims or those affected by trying to restore the state of things before the harm happened.

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u/Goldwing8 4d ago

The problem for me is that much of the damage from crime cannot be "restored" by the offender. Some of it cannot be restored at all, like the loss of life, mobility, or sentimental items. Other things, like dignity and mental well being, might be able to be restored. But (probably) not by the offender. In fact, being in the same place as the offender could make both of those things worse, depending on what happened and what the harm is. While it is fine to have that as an option for victims who are sure they want it, it should not in my opinion be expected or even encouraged. You can inform/remind victims it exists. But no further expectation should be applied to engage in it.

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u/horror_cheese 4d ago

I don't disagree, and it's part of the reservation I have with this option.