Khalil's Thought Crime: Dictatorship's Edge

The article argues that the Trump administration's policy proposals, specifically the increased use of the death penalty and a more punitive approach to criminal justice, echo the Nazi-era concept of *Willensstrafrecht*, or "punishment of the will." This legal doctrine, employed by the Nazi regime, sought to punish individuals based on their perceived inherent character and supposed intent, rather than solely on their actual actions or crimes committed. The author contends that figures within the Trump administration, like Attorney General Jeff Sessions, advocated for policies that similarly prioritize the perceived "evil" or inherent criminality of offenders, moving away from principles of due process and proportionality in sentencing. They claim that this shift is reflected in the administration's efforts to expand the use of capital punishment, particularly for drug offenses, and to dismantle criminal justice reform efforts. The article emphasizes that the *Willensstrafrecht* concept served as a legal basis for the Nazis' persecution and extermination of groups deemed "undesirable." By drawing parallels between this historical precedent and the Trump administration's policies, the author suggests a dangerous trend towards a system of justice driven by ideological biases and focused on punishing perceived moral failings rather than objective criminal behavior. This, they argue, poses a threat to fundamental legal principles and civil liberties. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/12/hgnv-a12.html