Are Prisons Obsolete?

Definitely provides a unique perspective. Writing is a bit boring for my taste but it makes sense as this is a serious topic. It could also use an update on statistics and sources but that is not as important.

The average person in the USA likely thinks like I did for many decades. Prisons are for sociopaths, most deserve at least their sentence, and the death penalty is possible in some cases. Most of all was a certainty that I was not like the jailed. They were law breakers and I was a friend to many cops, sheriffs, troopers, and federal law enforcement.Over years of doing prison work and being an expert witness jobs and experiencing sadist and criminal law enforcement harming others and that includes quality patients I have a few comments that make this book useful.1) I believe in capital punishment, but NOT in the USA any longer until all aspects of corruption,money making, arrest rewards and stupidity is removed from the place between the scene of a crime to the execution. In those layers is dirt and trash--and as a believer in USA liberty we have fascist cops, lawyers, attorney generals naive as popcorn, and appeals judges in a space suit.DEATH BY STATES WITH HIGHEST PRISON POPULATION ON EARTH, AND MORE PRISONS THAN PAST HUNDRED YEARS IN A DECADE IN SOME PLACES?We have more inmates than the population of many countries.WE HAVE DEATH PENALTY CASES WITH LESS EVIDENCE THAN HEBREW AND CHRISTIAN BIBLE REQUIREMENTS--MAKES FOR A SOBERING READ THAT THE JEWS WERE BETTER IN LAW THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO THAN THE USA. One needed witnesses and not circumstantial evidence. The witness was the executioner, not someone 300 miles away--this is merely one example.2) IF YOU ARE A "CHILD" WHO HAS NEVER SEEN A COP LIE OR WRITE A CANNED REPORT MATCHING THE LAST 50, like I was childish and naive, please stop the stupid idealism of my 40's.Some police are dear and loved friends, and some are freaking criminals who deserve jail. If that does not translate, you are not in touch with USA reality.3) Be honest. Most do not care a dime about jailed people. It will never happen to me. Ha ha ha... We are all a cranky mad cop away from arrest--30 seconds.And I do mean the well off, super educated and very pro-social like me. NO PASS FOR US ANYMORE--WE ARE HATED FOR EDUCATION, INTELLECT, SNOBBISHNESS--REAL OR IMAGINED AND OTHER REASONS.4) Spend a day in a prison. You will never be the same. You will understand the bill of rights--they do not exist in prisons.YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A DAVIS CLONE TO LISTEN TO SMART POINTS! OR DO YOU FEAR OTHER TV OR RADIO STATIONS ALSO?THAT IS ANTI-KNOWLEDGE, AND A DASH FASCIST.In sum, she was right. We have gone from 20% of world inmates to 25%!!!

Came in good shape.

Great book is a must

This is a very important book for all concerned about justice in our society. The book lays out the many shortcomings of the system. Particularly eye opening is the description of the prison-industreal complex and how extensive it is. How the profit motive influences the type and severity of punishment. The final chapter describes the road to abolishing prisons.

I believe that this is a very important book. In it, Angela Davis puts forth an extremely compelling case for the abolition of the modern prison system. It was a complete surprise to me to learn that the modern prison system (being locked up as the final punishment) is a fairly recent phenomenon that was considered to be very progressive and humane compared to the former shaming, corporal, and capital punishments that were meted out hundreds of years ago.This book focuses a great deal on the intersection of African American history with prison history, which adds a whole extra layer of horror to the way the system works. I'd be very interested to see how the numbers and statistics have changed (or not) in the past 15 years since it was published, but the book is definitely still relevant and informative.It's also easy to read, not dry or dull at all. Very interesting and flows well which makes the reading enjoyable even while the subject matter is often difficult.As a Quaker, prison reform is an important topic in my social circles, but I had never seriously heard anyone put forth the idea that prisons should somehow be done away with. I finished this book with a new perspective with which I wish more people would become familiar.I recommend this book to anyone who's interested or involved in prison reform, African American history, and/or social justice issues in general.

insightful and important

If you want to learn more about why prison abolition matters — and not from a white author’s perspective — Angela Davis’ seminal classic Are Prisons Obsolete? is one of the best places to start. Davis’ brief book provides an introduction to the very-necessary argument that we need to abolish our injustice system in favor of humane and restorative justice. (The New Jim Crow and Waiting for an Echo are also important reads that will provide you with lots of context on this topic.)

Great book. I started this book unsure of where I stood on the topic but by the end of chapter 1 I wanted all prisons gone. It examines the nature of prison through so many different lenses (racism, feminism, class struggles, etc.). It’s short and very easy to read which I appreciated as it draws from so many historical texts, and lots of other writings around prison to inform. It is also very insightful as to the history of prison, how it was formed and why.

Angela is a brilliant writer, a powerful activist and this is an amazing read, I can't fault it, completely and utterly agree, prisons are indeed obsolete.

One of the best books I’ve read. Really affirms any ideals you have about the abolishment of prison and the history surrounding it. It also challenges your thoughts and preconceptions on the actual “rehabilitative” nature of prison. Definitely recommend!

Present

Great book. What else can I say!!!!