Prison | DISCOURSE

Free Humanity from Prison

Prison is cruel and does little to convince people that the actions which resulted in imprisonment are morally wrong, even if its threat motivates compliance. Nicholas Blakiston therefore advocates for its abolition.

Once tax-funded governments have been abolished or rendered ineffective through the collapse of credit or popular support*, justice will be dispensed by whomever chooses to dispense it and has the means to do so. Regardless of Nicholas’ or anyone else’s moral position regarding prison, humans will retain free will, and some may seek to imprison or otherwise enslave others. Nicholas’ proposed solution is a voluntarily funded security force to prevent slavery (to include imprisonment), trespassing, the abuse of the defenseless, and the use of nuclear weapons.

Others may administer forms of physical punishment other than prison, such as lashing or dismemberment. In the event that such punishments occur before the security force can intervene under its mandate to prevent the abuse of the defenseless, no tax-funded body will seek to impose justice. However, the use of such violence—or even nonviolent punishments—may lead to retaliation, especially if others view the punishment as unjust. Nicholas proposes that such a system will discourage violence generally, and unjust forms of violence in particular, where individuals believe certain forms of violence to be justified.

Nonviolent forms of justice will include boycotts and reputational consequences. Nicholas opposes trade restrictions being determined by designated officials and imposed upon populations that do not universally support them. Boycotts require sacrifice, and if a person is to make such a sacrifice, it should be because the moral cause inspires them to do so voluntarily.

In the event that an individual is deemed too dangerous or irredeemable to be released, Nicholas proposes that the death penalty would be a kinder and more economical punishment than life imprisonment. Life in prison is a prolonged state of torment, while death promises relief from the suffering of this world. Any party who wishes to speak on behalf of the accused should be free to do so, such voices should be heard, and all additional evidence and testimony should be considered before determining that the death penalty is appropriate.

A fuller description of Nicholas’ moral positions, free-market justice, and his proposed security force—including a theological examination of these ideas—is available in his text, Discourse: The Bridge to Light.