penal labor

Penal labor refers to work performed by prisoners as part of their punishment or rehabilitation. It is often used to help inmates develop skills, pay restitution, or contribute to the community, while also serving as a form of discipline. The nature of penal labor varies by jurisdiction, ranging from manual tasks like cleaning and farming to industrial work. While intended to promote work ethic and responsibility, it must be conducted under fair conditions that respect prisoners’ rights. Overall, penal labor is a component of correctional systems aimed at productive use of inmate time during incarceration.