Modern Wisdom #211 - Chris Daw QC - Why We Should Close All Prisons & Legalise Drugs
Aug 17, 2020
Chris Daw QC, a Queens Council Barrister and author, challenges the effectiveness of the UK justice system. He advocates for closing prisons and legalizing drugs, arguing that current laws exacerbate crime rather than deter it. Daw shares insights on the need for compassionate rehabilitation over punishment, citing successful models from countries like Switzerland. He also contrasts the entrepreneurial aspects of the illegal drug trade with systemic failures, urging a radical rethinking of justice that prioritizes empathy and support for reintegration.
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Red Wine Barrister
- Chris Daw QC recounts a story about a barrister who refused to return to court after a lunchtime drinking session.
- An usher had to inform the judge that the barrister wouldn't be back.
Prisons as Universities of Crime
- Chris Daw QC argues that prisons are "universities of crime", worsening, not rehabilitating, criminals.
- He advocates for closing all prisons and implementing alternative systems.
Focus on Rehabilitation
- Most prisoners are incarcerated for non-violent crimes.
- Focus should be on rehabilitation for their eventual release, not punishment.
