Do you mean that the benefit of cheap labor goes to private companies, but the cost stays with the taxpayers? If so, I see the logic. If we are talking about im

Do you mean that the benefit of cheap labor goes to private companies, but the cost stays with the taxpayers? If so, I see the logic. If we are talking about imprisoning someone, because we get cheaper labor for example inside the prison, than that doesn't make sense. Of course I count that the job needs to be done. Scenario A (person not imprisoned): - Prison cost: $0 - Labor cost: $25k (hire someone) - Total cost: $25k Scenario B (person imprisoned): - Prison cost: $50k - Labor cost: $0 (prisoner does it) - Total cost: $50k