Debtors' Prisons Are A Thing Of The Past -- Unless You Live in Mississippi

Mississippi is the only state where judges can legally send people to jail, for an indefinite period of time, while they work to earn money to pay off court-ordered debts. Thus far, judges have sentenced hundreds of people a year to four restitution centers around the state, ordering them to stay until they pay off court fees, fines, and restitution.

People sent to these centers usually don't owe a lot of money, and are almost always non-violent offenders. But, they spend an average of nearly fourth months -- and up to five years -- living at these centers (and accuring room & board costs), working for private employers to earn enough to satisfy the courts. Meanwhile, their costs balloon, since in addition to room & board, they have to pay for transportation to their jobs, and medical care.

This futile system penalizes the poorest residents of the poorest state in the country.