What conclusion was reached by the Lowell commission?

The Lowell Commission, established in 1850 to investigate the conditions of the Massachusetts State prisons, concluded that the prison system was in need of significant reform. It emphasized the importance of rehabilitation over punishment, advocating for educational programs and vocational training for inmates. The commission's findings highlighted the detrimental effects of overcrowding and poor living conditions, ultimately influencing changes in prison policies and practices in the state.