A debtor’s prison was a prison for those who could not or would
not pay back their debts. This concept could be revived if done correctly
so that people could pay off their debts if they were negligent, or have no
normal ways to pay. Let us discuss.
Debtor prison revived: The original debtors prisons was
where people who could not pay their debts were sent. In that prison they would
work various jobs so that they could pay off their debt and a portion of that
to go toward paying for their incarceration. They kept zero money in this
instance. The concept was later abandoned because of harsh conditions,
and abuses. However, with prisoners today getting better treatment in the
United States than anywhere else in the world (arguably), we could remove the
non-violent members of the prison community so that they can pay back their
debt to society.
So reviving it in the modern era would
mean the people that go to this "prison" are people who are negligent
in paying back taxes, not paying their fines or tickets, and even people not
paying their child support. Likewise, it can be applied to thieves as
well, where laws could be changed where they are made to work to pay back what
they stole if the items or the money are not recoverable. Of course this
would also include outstanding debts as well as a means for people to work off
their debt more quickly. The only time these people would not be sent to
the prison is if the debt was below $100 (makes sense as that is payable) or
other set amount that can be readily paid back.
The work that could be done by these
prisoners would be cooking for their fellow prisoners, doing their fellow
prisoners laundry, cleaning the jail, tending a greenhouse where they grow as
much of their own food as possible and grounds keeping. Additionally,
they can be used to make uniforms and clothing for government personnel, make
license plates, and even help file government documents or do research for the
government using the prisons library. Other prisoners can be driven to factories
nearby or local stores to provide free labor or clean parks and schools for the
government. They can also be used for focus groups as debtors come from
all aspects of society as well. In all these cases money is collected
from those who wish to use this labor or the State identifying a competitive
wage based on the value of their work which again is used to pay for all
expenses in the prison and to pay off their debts. Once they reach a
payable amount they are released. Also, nothing says that funds cannot be
established to take private donations to help people with the largest debts get
out faster, even donating toward particular individuals if they want.
Additionally, classes on financial management (free online courses so
that their debt does not increase), and other courses relating to managing
money will be available to them as well, so that they do not end up back in
debtors prison.
Conclusion: The idea of a modern debtor’s
prison is fanciful. Though this concept should allow people to
voluntarily enter the "prison" to aid in paying their debts too.
As such, it should not look like a prison. They would also learn skills
that would aid them in other jobs via free online courses and the work that
they do in the prison. Also, the idea that prisoners who are thieves, and
people negligent on their taxes, tickets, fines and child support, is not
exactly new, being sent to prison together is not new, but they do not pay
their debts or for their incarceration while there. This has them do that
though. The prisoners could apply for jobs for free via the prison
computers and because they do not have the stigma of a typical prison, they are
likely to get hired or maybe even out of pity. Though for that to work,
inmates would be segregated. As such, thieves would be in one section and
people who are paying back money in another. The people who are paying
back money however would be separated still into those who want to pay their
debts but did not have the means, and the other group who just outright refuses
to pay back what they owe. Of course all this would be revealed to any
potential employer. As I said, it is a concept and the old stigma is
still strong. But the question is; is this a good idea? You decide.
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