Nils Christie was a Norwegian criminologist and sociologist, internationally recognized for his critical perspectives on punishment and prisons. As Professor of Criminology at the University of Oslo, he became one of the most influential voices in abolitionist criminology. Christie argued for radically reducing the use of imprisonment and emphasized the importance of conflict resolution outside the formal justice system.
Christie’s work challenged the expansion of the penal system, famously describing crime control as a growing industry. He advocated for a society that limits the harm caused by state punishment and instead fosters restorative and community-based solutions. His ideas have significantly shaped abolitionist thought and debates on restorative justice.
