penal abolitionism

Penal abolitionism is a philosophy that advocates for ending the use of prisons and traditional criminal punishment. Instead, it seeks alternative approaches focused on addressing the root causes of crime, such as social inequalities and mental health issues, through community-based solutions, restorative justice, and prevention. The goal is to reduce harm, promote healing, and create a more equitable system, rather than relying solely on incarceration as a means of justice. Abolitionists believe that the current prison system often perpetuates injustice and fails to adequately rehabilitate or address underlying social problems.