The Abolition of the Convict Lease System in Alabama, 1913-1928

Almost from the first day of its organization, the penitentiary system of Alabama was a source of trouble to the state, and for years its operation was unprofitable in every sense. From the beginning, penology in Alabama labored under the theory that the state's correctional institutions should be self-sufficient. In order to gain complete self-sufficiency, the state entered upon the policy of leasing the prisoners to private business and individuals.