Michelle Alexander, a law professor at Ohio State University, performed extensive research on the interconnection between Jim Crow laws and the criminal system.  Her findings were a major awakening for many who did not realize that prisons are an extension of slavery, and slavery was designed to greatly diminish the ability of African-Americans to achieve a position of power in the United States.  Notably, there were many restrictions imposed on African-Americans to prevent friendly existence in the areas of social and religious experiences.  For example, social mingling was prohibited at public facilities, segregation between African-Americans and whites was enforced at every imaginable public accommodation.  Even schools were unequal relative to the structural layout and academic materials utilized.  When comparing the many restrictions imposed on Africa-Americans via Jim Crow laws, prisons mirror the laws relative to behavioral mandates, severe limited rehabilitative opportunities, the imposition of pennies on the dollar for any work performed, the speed with which discipline tickets can be administered for the smallest infractions. and required labor in various industries in connection with contracts between  Departments of Corrections and numerous corporations.  The delineation herein is a stark reminder that once an individual enters prison due to a felony, he is stripped of his rights as a United States citizen.