My Defense Lawyer, Public Defender Kate Berry, was a Prison Abolitionist. When I asked her, privataely: “Kate, why do you do this job? What motivates you? Why do you defend people who are most likely criminals?” She answered, to my total surprise: “Because, Mr. Roberts, I don’t believe that any human on earth should ever be put in a cage.” imho, this made her just about the best possible defense lawyer. And my hunch was right. Kate absolutely kicked ass, both in the courtroom, and in the critical filing of endless motions. And Yes, “Prison Abolitionist” — this is a thing. As a child, I repeatedly read the profound manifesto “No More Prisons,” by William Upski Wimsatt. Highly recommended for readers of all ages: