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Judge Rules Colorado Prison Labor Violates State Constitution

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Sarah Wallace of the Denver District Court ruled that the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and Governor Jared Polis violated the state constitution with coercive prisoner labor.
The ruling stems from a class-action filed four years ago over 2018 Amendment A.
The court ordered CDOC to cease threats of isolation and segregation.
The state has 28 days to appeal.
Advocates call for transparency and policy reform at CDOC.

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Story summary

Judge Sarah Wallace of the Denver District Court ruled that the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and Governor Jared Polis violated the state constitution with coercive prisoner labor.
The ruling stems from a class-action filed four years ago over 2018 Amendment A.
The court ordered CDOC to cease threats of isolation and segregation.
The state has 28 days to appeal.
Advocates call for transparency and policy reform at CDOC.