In this essay, Ruby Tuke argues that the political philosopher, author and proto-anarchist William Godwin’s critique of punishment, alongside his commitment to a form of community-rooted justice guided by rational moral judgement, offers a striking yet overlooked antecedent to contemporary penal abolitionist debates.

Ruby Tuke is a writer and researcher currently working at the intersection of nineteenth‑century radicalism and contemporary penal abolitionist thought. Her most recent publication is a chapter in Envisioning Abolition, edited by David Gordon Scott and Emma Bell (Bristol University Press, 2025).

Anarchist Essays is brought to you by Loughborough University's Anarchism Research Group and the journal Anarchist Studies. Follow us on Bluesky @anarchismresgroup.bsky.social

Our music comes from Them'uns (featuring Yous'uns).

Artwork by Sam G.