What replaced the convict leasing system after its abolition in Georgia?

The roadside chain gangs emerged as a prominent alternative to the convict leasing system after its abolition in Georgia. This system involved the organized work of convicts on public roads and infrastructure projects, reflecting a continued reliance on prison labor, albeit in a different form. Roadside chain gangs not only provided labor for the state but also served to punish inmates through hard labor in visible public settings, which deters potential criminal activity by emphasizing the consequences of crime. This practice was characterized by its harsh conditions and treatment, drawing criticism yet persisting as a method to address the need for cheap labor in road construction and maintenance.

In contrast, other options such as work release programs, community service initiatives, and prison farming systems, while potentially relevant alternative forms of labor for incarcerated individuals, did not take precedence in Georgia as the main replacement for the convict leasing system in the immediate aftermath. Roadside chain gangs became emblematic of the transition from one exploitative system to another, thereby reflecting ongoing societal attitudes towards punishment and labor.