The Routledge International Handbook of Penal Abolition

The Routledge International Handbook of Penal Abolition provides an authoritative and comprehensive look at the latest developments in the 21st-century penal abolitionism movement, arguing that it increases individual and societal problems rather than effectively handling or solving them. It is organized around six key themes and provides an alternative and critical perspective to reflect on and raise the visibility of abolitionist ideas and strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 476 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge International Handbook of Penal Abolition is a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of the latest developments in the 21st-century penal abolitionism movement. It delves into critical thought and sets the agenda for local and global abolitionist ideas and interventions over the next decade. Penal abolitionists challenge the legitimacy of criminal law, policing, courts, prisons, and the broader concept of punishment, arguing that these institutions do not effectively address social problems, interpersonal disputes, conflicts, and harms. Instead, they exacerbate individual and societal issues.

The Handbook is organized around six key themes:

Social movements and abolition organizing: This section examines the role of social movements in advocating for penal abolition and the strategies employed by abolitionists to organize and mobilize communities.

Critical resistance to the penal state: This theme explores the resistance and opposition to the penal system from various perspectives, including those from imprisoned and marginalized communities. It highlights the voices and experiences of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system.

Diversity of abolitionist thought: This section explores the diverse range of abolitionist ideas and perspectives, including feminist, socialist, human rights, and decolonial approaches. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting different abolitionist voices and agendas.

International perspectives on abolitionism: This theme examines the global nature of the penal abolition movement and the challenges and opportunities presented by cross-border collaborations and exchanges. It highlights the international solidarity and cooperation among abolitionists.

Building new justice practices as a response to social and individual wrongdoing: This section explores the need for alternative justice practices that prioritize rehabilitation, restoration, and community-based solutions to social and individual wrongdoing. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root
causes of crime and harm rather than solely focusing on punishment.

A global-centred and world-encompassing project, The Routledge International Handbook of Penal Abolition provides an alternative and critical perspective from which to reflect on the criminalizing system. It raises the visibility of abolitionist ideas and strategies in a time when there is considerable discussion about how we can move forward in response to the root causes of the criminalizing system, such as white supremacy, racial capitalism, and human wrongdoing. The Handbook is essential reading for scholars and practitioners engaged with punishment and penology, criminology, sociology, corrections, and critical prisons studies. It appeals to readers who seek innovative responses to the calamitous failures of the modern criminalizing system.

In conclusion, The Routledge International Handbook of Penal Abolition is a groundbreaking resource that offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the penal abolition movement. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing abolitionists in the 21st century and sets the stage for meaningful change and progress toward a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367693299