What were the legal regulations surrounding prison labor at the time?
Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Prison Treadmill Operator
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prison labor was regulated by state laws, which varied widely. Many states allowed inmates to work for private companies, often under harsh conditions, with minimal pay. The 13th Amendment permitted involuntary servitude as punishment for crime, leading to exploitative practices. Reform movements later sought to improve conditions and rights for incarcerated workers.