A Book Review of Beyond Prisons

Beyond Prisons

A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System

Author:  Laura Magnani and Harmon L. Wray

What can be learned about the criminal justice system that will lead to positive and radical change?  This question is both thoughtfully considered and thoroughly addressed by Laura Magnani and Harmon L. Wray in Beyond Prisons.  The authors begin with a history of early judicial process.  An objective portrayal of Quaker influence on the development of the criminal justice system in the United States provides a vivid backdrop for the current state of the prison system in America. 

From the first penitentiary in the 18^th century to the prevalence of mass incarceration in the “Super-Max” facilities of today American society has evinced a drift toward symptom-solutions instead of problem-solutions.  This collective mental shift has given rise to a fear-based judicial ideology.  The punitive measures delineated in America’s criminal justice system have devolved into revenge-oriented sentencing and incarceration. 

The “New Interfaith Paradigm” portion of the title to this work is not mere lip-service to an altruistic ideal.  The plan for immediate change involves aspects of clarity, concern, and compassion that cross religious, philosophical, spiritual, and geo-political boundaries.  From a template for restoration from the Qur’an that considers forgiveness a virtue to the non-violent resolution of conflict put forth by Zen Buddhism all avenues of reform are explored. 

Magnani and Wray can at times be painstakingly pragmatic in providing a plethora of statistical data to support their position.  On the other hand, the authors present a case for judicial reform that resonates with as much passion as practicality.  The information presented has been culled from years of experience and education.  The validity of the intellectual argument for radical reformation permeates every page of this scholarly work.  For reformation to be truly radical some aspect of abolishing the current system must be thoughtfully considered.  The authors present the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) solution to the prison problem in a twelve-step plan that begins with Penal Abolition and ends with a Campaign for Reparations. 

I would recommend this book to any adult interested in expanding the horizons of responsible citizenship and contributing to positive change.  Beyond that I would also invite adolescents coming of age in American society to read this text to gain an understanding of what change they would like to see in “our failed prison system.” 

Review contributed by: Dr. Jefferson B. Holbrook a free-lance writer, photographer, and artist.

http://www.spiritrestoration.org/bookreviews/Beyond_Prisons.htm