What was the purpose of the Hawes-Cooper Act?

The Hawes-Cooper Act, enacted in 1929, aimed to address the issue of prison-made goods and their impact on free labor markets. By requiring that goods produced in prisons conform to the laws and regulations of the states where they were sold, the Act sought to prevent unfair competition from prison labor with free enterprises. This was important for protecting local industries and ensuring that the production of goods adhered to specific state standards.

The Act effectively allowed states to regulate the sale of prison-made products within their borders, ensuring that inmates' work did not undermine the job market or labor practices outside the prison system. This legislation highlighted the balance between rehabilitation through work opportunities for inmates and the economic interests of local communities, demonstrating a move towards more regulated frameworks for prison labor.