An Examination of Penal Abolition in the Context of Elite Deviance

• In Event: Penal Abolition: Session 2 of 3

Abstract

Although white collar criminals and others who have been called elite deviants cause more property, personal and human harm than traditional "street" criminals, they have escaped accountability due to a justice system that is based upon a class system that has essentially provided them with blanket immunity. This paper explores the dichotomy of justice in the United States, and contextualizes it within the notion of the abolition movement. It explores the notion of punishment and accountability of elite deviants and addresses and the concomitant need to provide the abolition movement with continued vitality.

Authors

• William Calathes, New Jersey City University

• David Chiabi, New Jersey City University