Social Thought & Polic. Econ 492H - STPEC Focus Seminar II

STPEC students only STPEC 391H Abolition: Theory and Practice in the Massachusetts Criminal Justice System
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.