JUDGE STOPS STATE FROM PUNISHING INMATES WHO DECLINE PRISON JOBS

A Denver judge ruled the Colorado Department of Corrections violated the state’s ban on involuntary servitude following a class action lawsuit from people incarcerated in Colorado, according to Colorado Newsline. 

Judge Sarah B. Wallace said in her ruling that the department cannot threaten or impose isolation for more than two days and cannot charge people with offenses under the prison disciplinary code for refusing to work. Current department policies allowing punishment for refusing to work violate the Colorado Constitution. 

The plaintiffs, led by Harold Mortis, said the state punished incarcerated people who refused to participate in mandatory work programs. Incarcerated people can lose privileges and “earned time,” which accelerates parole eligibility, and can be sent to restrictive housing if they refuse to work.