Social Thought & Polic. Econ 491H - STPEC Focus Seminar I

STPEC students only STPEC 391H Abolition: Theory and Practice in the Massachusetts Criminal Justice System - This focus seminar will be taught by Rachel Weber. Contact the STPEC advisor for further information.
Course Description: Abolitionist politics continuously evolve in both academic contexts and on the ground in courthouses, prisons, and grassroots organizing. However, the work done in developing new theories and policies and the work done in localized community settings rarely intersect. In this class, we will examine the criminal justice system in Massachusetts through lenses of both theory and practice, and envision meaningful ways to cross-pollinate these two necessary arms of abolition movements. Coursework will include readings related to abolitionist theories, the history of the criminal justice system and policing in Massachusetts, local resistance campaigns, transformative justice, and topical case law, as well as in-person observation in courthouses. Guest speakers will include defense attorneys, local organizers, abolitionist practitioners in related fields, and more.