The cases have resulted in 36 convictions and 46 guilty pleas. Hard labor is no longer available as a criminal sanction under federal criminal law, though it remains a possible punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and some state laws. There is no specific constitutional or statutory prohibition against hard labor. While hard labor does not necessarily constitute cruel and unusual punishment, prison work requirements which compel inmates to perform physical labor which is beyond their strength, endangers their lives, or causes undue pain constitute cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court has, on more than one occasion, found hard labor to be an excessive punishment grossly disproportionate to the crime for which it was imposed.
Offenders typically receive remedial education, vocational training, counseling, and health care.
The United States does not engage in practices of forced labor.