An abolitionist approach…would require us to imagine a constellation of
alternative strategies and institutions, with the ultimate aim of removing
the prison from the social and ideological landscapes of our society. In
other words, we would not be looking for prison-like substitutes for
the prison, such as house arrest safeguarded by electronic surveillance
bracelets. Rather positing decarceration as our overarching strategy, we
would try to envision a continuum of alternatives to imprisonment
– demilitarization of schools, revitalization of education at all levels, a
health system that provides free physical and mental care for all, and
a justice system based on reparation and reconciliation rather than
retribution and vengeance (Davis 2003: 107).
