Overview
Texas has 254 counties and many of these subdivisions are quite small both in terms of total area and total population. Our county lines came from the era where Texas was a part of Mexico. County lines were drawn so that government officials could travel anywhere within the county to address potential problems and back within the same day on horseback. These same counties persisted to the modern day, but many are far too small and not financially stable enough to absorb the costs incurred from law enforcement priorities such as drug enforcement.
Watch and take notes on the following video: Based on what you just saw in the clip, answer:
Why is Hudspeth county so overwhelmed with drug arrests?
Who is ultimately to blame for the financial situation of the county? Is it county law enforcement? Federal drug policies? Or the offenders carrying contraband into Texas?
Is legalization of marijuana a remedy for the problems of Hudspeth county?
- Now, you'll need to do some research about current Texas state policy regarding drugs. Include your sources.
- Is marijuana legal in Texas?
- What do polls say about whether Texans want marijuana legalized?
Do you think Texas will ever make it legal or decriminalize it? Why or why not?