Really, to be more truthful, certain acts are permitted. But you have to go through some sort of process with the wardens if you want to do certain others. If you do them without, you get a ban from them and have to do... a project, or some such.
[She points eagerly at a sign not too far from the pathway.]
Ah, look, I believe that's one of the rules signs! It explains everything w- prisoners can do with and without a permit!