Quote Originally Posted by theGinsue View Post
^^^ Didn't someone deem forced labor of inmates to be "cruel and unusual"? It upsets me when I see/hear about prisoners getting so many extras and "nice to have's" when there are hard working & law-abiding folks who can't afford those same luxuries.
His chain gangs are not forced, they are optional. The prisoners are paid (about a quarter an hour, or just a bit more). They can use the money to buy their meals, small comfort items (envelopes, pencils, etc.), or they can save it for when they are released.

FWIW, Maricopa County's recidivism rate is less than half of the national average....