 And that incident made the city of Marion the focus of attention. Townhall.com Louisiana must protect the health and safety of incarcerated workers. The inmates are toiling in the fields of a former slave plantation. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson says they face substantial risk of injury or death in blistering summer temperatures. He gave the state seven days to provide a plan to improve conditions at Louisiana State Penitentiary. The state immediately appealed the decision.