Denver Judge Rules Colorado Prison Labor Program Unconstitutional

Ruling finds state's forced inmate labor violates 2018 constitutional amendment banning slavery and involuntary servitude.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A Denver district court judge has ruled that the Colorado Department of Corrections' practice of requiring inmates to work under threat of punishment, such as solitary confinement, violates the state's constitution. The ruling is part of a class-action lawsuit filed in 2022 by an inmate serving a 40-year sentence, arguing the state's forced labor program amounts to unconstitutional involuntary servitude.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant victory for prison reform advocates in Colorado, who have long argued the state's inmate labor program amounts to a modern form of slavery. The 2018 constitutional amendment banning slavery and involuntary servitude, which passed with over 66% of the vote, was intended to end such practices, and this court decision affirms that the state has been violating the will of Colorado voters.

The details

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of thousands of inmates in Colorado state prisons. The judge ruled that the Colorado Department of Corrections, its director, and the state's governor have been violating inmates' constitutional rights by requiring them to work under threat of punishment. Inmates testified they were often forced to work longer shifts and faced solitary confinement if they refused.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2022.
  • The judge issued the ruling on February 16, 2026.

The players

Harold Mortis

An inmate serving a 40-year sentence at the Sterling Correctional Facility, who filed the class-action lawsuit at the center of this case.

Sarah Wallace

The Denver District Court judge who ruled that the Colorado Department of Corrections' forced labor program violates the state constitution.

Colorado Department of Corrections

The state agency that operates Colorado's prison system and was found to be in violation of the state's constitutional ban on slavery and involuntary servitude.

Jared Polis

The governor of Colorado, who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit for the state's role in the unconstitutional forced labor program.

David Maxted

The lead trial counsel for the plaintiff class in the lawsuit against the Colorado Department of Corrections.

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What they’re saying

“This victory is the result of the courage and resilience of Mr. Mortis and the countless people incarcerated in Colorado prisons who have demanded an end to unconstitutional involuntary servitude.”

— David Maxted, Lead trial counsel for the plaintiff class

“Amendment A was not a suggestion. It was a mandate from the people of Colorado to end slavery and involuntary servitude in all forms.”

— Kym Ray, Co-chair of End Slavery Colorado

What’s next

The Colorado Department of Corrections and state officials will need to review the judge's ruling and determine how to bring the state's prison labor program into compliance with the constitutional ban on involuntary servitude.

The takeaway

This court decision affirms that the constitutional rights of inmates do not stop at the prison gates, and that states cannot force prisoners to work under threat of punishment. It represents a significant victory for prison reform advocates in Colorado who have long argued the state's labor program amounted to a modern form of slavery.