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Comment by AcerbicZero | Hacker News Reader

The only time I heard anyone being sentenced to "hard labor" was in the military, so it seems like if you're given incarceration at your sentencing then that shouldn't automatically mean you're being sentenced to work while you're there?

The punishment is incarceration, not labor, right? I guess this is an area where I'm exceptionally under-educated, so if you've got any good suggestions for reading on the topic I'd appreciate it.

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It makes sense to me.

As a person with Autism, I have always been scared of a misunderstanding with a police officer that would land me in jail, which is a common issue. I would calm my nerves by telling myself “it will be OK. I will think of it as a lot of time to read.”

I later learned books are very hard to come by at prisons, which adds a bit to my fear of going out and doing things.

Knowing I would be forced to work is terrifying because it would necessitate so many more misunderstandings.

Just don't drink and drive, don't hang out with volatile people, respect police offers, and you'll be ok. It also helps to be white / be female when dealing with law enforcement but not everyone has such luxuries. Living in fear is no way to live! Think of it this way: if cops weren't around things would be MUCH less safe, so thank god we have them

See Louisiana for an example.

http://www.lafayetteowilawyer.com/helpfulvideos/beingsentenc...

It may not be "hard labor" but isn't this what getting sentenced to community service is, in effect? Involuntary labor as a punishment for a crime.

As far as I’m aware, community labor is generally sentenced as an alternative to prison time.

I don't think you can really be forced into community service per se. They basically say the sentence is x time in jail or if you agree we will accept x hours of community service.

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