The Industrial Era (jan 1, 1890 – jan 1, 1935)

Description:

Philosophy: Concerns about security and discipline arose in American prisons over the failure of reformatory-style prisons. An increase in inmate populations and costs led to the idea of the profitability of inmate labor, therefore the industrial prison is created.

Other Info: The following 6 systems of inmate labor were used in the early 20th century: contract system, piece-price system, lease system, public-account system, state-use system, and public-works system. The industrial prison era ended when the Ashurst-Sumners Act was passed. The law restricted interstate commerce in prison-made goods.

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