Denver judge says Colorado prisons cannot punish incarcerated people for refusing to work

By: Lindsey Toomer

Outlets: Colorado Newsline

Published: February 18, 2026

Words: 622

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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A Denver judge last week ruled the Colorado Department of Corrections violated the state’s ban on involuntary servitude following a class action lawsuit from people incarcerated in Colorado.

Judge Sarah B. Wallace said in her ruling that the department cannot threaten or impose isolation for more than two days and cannot charge people with offenses under the prison disciplinary code for refusing to work. Current department policies allowing punishment for refusing to work …

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