Inmate Labor | The Marshall Project

What are records? Since 2014, The Marshall Project has been curating some of the best criminal justice reporting from around the web. In these records you will find the most recent and the most authoritative articles on the topics, people and events that are shaping the criminal justice conversation. The Marshall Project does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of reports other than its own.

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Made in America: The Products of U.S. Prison Labor Are All Around Us

A project by photographer Daniella Zalcman shows the casual prevalence of goods made by prison labor in public and private spaces.

The Frame • 07.09.2026

Incarcerated Firefighters Do Risky, Low-Pay Work. Many Say It’s The Best Job Behind Bars.

More than 900 prison firefighters were responding to the crisis in Los Angeles — but their pay is low and the ethics of their choice are complicated.

Closing Argument • 01.11.2025

Some prison labor programs lose money — even when prisoners work for pennies

Officials claim programs provide skills, but critics say there’s little evidence.

Inside Out • 09.02.2021

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