Republican legislators are taking bows for passing a set of criminal justice retrofits they say will deter crime, but appear to rein-shrine slave labor in the state.
The 2024 legislature enacted crime laws, which include harsher punishments and limited parole, which have been touted by Republicans as a means to deter would-be criminals and provide justice for victims. However, a closer examination of these laws and the state’s prison system raises serious concerns about whether they perpetuate a form of pseudo-slavery.
During the legislative debate in the session, opponents of the new laws pointed out that parish prisons, where a significant number of offenders are incarcerated, offer no social or rehabilitative programs such as drug rehabilitation or continuing education. Consequently, prisoners may spend decades in these facilities without acquiring any formal skills, only to be released years later, ill-equipped to reintegrate into society.
This lack of investment in prisoner rehabilitation is particularly concerning when considering that Louisiana’s state prison system uses inmate labor to generate profits for the state.
The practice of using prison labor for state profit harkens back to the dark history of slavery in the United States. While the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, it made an exception for individuals convicted of crimes. This loophole has allowed the exploitation of prisoners’ labor, disproportionately affecting communities of color who are overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
By focusing on harsher punishments rather than addressing the root causes of crime, such as unaffordable housing and failing schools, Louisiana risks perpetuating a cycle of incarceration that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Simply changing laws and increasing jail time is unlikely to deter crime effectively. Instead, the focus should be on providing resources and support to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.
Moreover, the notion that these new laws will provide justice for victims is questionable. While it is understandable that victims want to see their perpetrators face consequences, a system that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation ultimately fails both the victim and the offender.
Without addressing the underlying factors that led to the crime, there is a higher likelihood of recidivism, potentially creating more victims in the future.
Louisiana’s approach to criminal justice reform under Governor Jeff Landry and the Republican controlled legislature, is longer sentences, fewer paroles, and more profits for those who build privately owned jails.
African-Americans, who make up more than 70% of Louisiana’s inmate population, are the biggest losers.
We think the government should prioritize investments in education, job training, and mental health services, both within prisons and in communities at risk. By providing prisoners with the tools and skills necessary to successfully reintegrate into society, we can reduce recidivism rates and create safer communities.
The state’s present course won’t help our crime problem, but it will most definitely contribute to its continuance and expansion.
