A number of 2306 students have opted to analyze the various proposals for modifying criminal penalties. These include proposals to look at the debate over specific bills, including the interest groups that are aligning themselves on different sides of the issues.
Marijuana and the death penalty are dominating attention, but there are also proposals in the leg to alter punishments for infractions at school (truancy for example) and other issues involving juvenile justice.
Many of the proposals are focusing on the argument that current punishments are not cost effective, a reasonable approach in my opinion.
These source might be helpful.
- Grits for Breakfast is a great general resource.
- Here's Grits for Breakfast's a look at the what 83rd session did regarding criminal justice.
- Texas Tribune: Texas Among States Facing "Raise the Age" Debate.
- Texas Tribune: Lawmaker Says Death Penalty in Jeopardy.
- Texas Tribune: Law and Order.
For activities in the legislature:
- Texas Legislature Online: Bills that came up in a search on "criminal justice."
- Legiscan: Bills that came up in a search on "criminal justice."
- Texas House of Representatives: Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.
- Texas Senate: Jurisprudence Committee.
Just in case you want to peruse through the existing Texas Penal Code - click here for it.
