Latest & Greatest – Texas Law Enforcement Handbook (Contemporary Criminal Procedure)

By Larry E. Holtz and Warren J. Spencer

Published by Blue360 Media

KFT 1761 .A7 H6 2017

A new edition of Texas Law Enforcement Handbook (Contemporary Criminal Procedure) has arrived here at the Harris County Law Library. Written for those engaged in the practice of criminal justice, this book sets out clear and concise discussions of important concepts in criminal law and criminal procedure. Explanations are supplemented by leading cases for which the authors have delineated the key issue presented, the holding, and the court’s reasoning for the decision. The authors have also provided additional notes and comments that further clarify some terms or themes presented in the case. Topics include: arrest, search and seizure, privacy expectations, confessions, and eyewitness identification.

Texas Law Enforcement Handbook (Contemporary Criminal Procedure) is a handy reference resource to have when faced with an issue involving the activities with which law enforcement personnel handle daily. Don't be put off by the words “law enforcement” in the title. This book is a good source of information for issues involving criminal procedure in its early stages.

Latest & Greatest – Pet Law and Custody: Establishing a Worthy and Equitable Jurisprudence for the Evolving Family

By Barbara J. Gislason

Published by American Bar Association. Section of Family Law

KF 390.5 .A5 G57 2017

Leona Helmsley, the late real estate billionaire and hotelier, made news (again) in 2007, when she left her dog, a Maltese named Trouble, a $12 million trust fund. Bequests and estate arrangements such as hers are no longer newsworthy and have become more and more commonplace. Pets have evolved from being characterized as property to being named as beneficiaries and considered family members and companions. In her new book, Pet Law and Custody, author and animal law pioneer Barbara J. Gislason examines the developing jurisprudence surrounding how we treat our pets and how the law treats our furry, and maybe not so furry, companions.

At the outset, the author notes the difficulties courts have faced when confronted with questions concerning pets and how they should be classified and treated under the law. To alleviate some of the confusion, she sets forth selected criteria for identifying a companion animal and some characteristics that might indicate that the pet is not a companion animal. From this introduction, the author launches into the heart of her book: an analysis of specific areas of law as they relate to pet law and pet custody issues. Subject areas include: family law and replevin actions; alternative dispute resolution; estate planning, wills, and trusts; contract law and the Uniform Commercial Code; property law; and tort law. She also looks into how the law treats cases involving animal cruelty and the certain amendments to the U.S. Constitution impact such laws. In addition, Gislason presents the nuts and bolts of a dangerous dog proceeding and provides some points to consider when owning an at-risk animal. Other chapters address the legal issues surrounding science and technology, such as genetic testing, cloning, and animal patents.

Filled with summaries of applicable case law and practical advice, Pet Law and Custody is a useful book for lawyers and all those interested in animals to aid in the understanding of this developing and emerging area of law.

Latest & Greatest – O’Connor’s Texas Probate Law Handbook

By Craig Hopper and D’Ana H. Mikeska

Published by O’Connor’s

KFT 765 .H67

The newest edition to the library’s collection of O’Connor’s books, O’Connor’s Texas Probate Law Handbook, guides the user through the probate process in Texas. The authors begin their book with an overview of Texas probate law and some initial matters that should be considered following a person’s death, including the steps taken after the death, the information that needs to be gathered, gaining access to safe-deposit boxes and personal documents, protecting personal property, and the handling of nonprobate assets. The authors then move onto the nuts and bolts of settling a decedent’s estate, tackling such procedural topics as filing a probate proceeding, opening an administration, and filing and paying any taxes. They detail the rights, duties, and powers of personal representatives and explain how a personal representative administers an estate in a dependent administration and in an independent administration. A chapter is devoted to the legal requirements that a will must satisfy to be admitted to probate. What if there is no will? No worries. The authors spend an entire chapter discussing the laws governing intestate succession. Will contests and alternatives to probate are also addressed in detail.

As is typical with many of the publications from O’Connor’s, the charts are immensely helpful and clarify many of the more confusing issues. These include: determining the appropriate procedure when there is a will and when there is no will, an overview of the intestacy laws, proving proper execution of the will, the personal representative’s duty to file federal tax returns, the priority of payment regarding creditors’ claims, and many more.

If you are looking for a little guidance in handling your next estate administration, come to the Harris County Law Library and have a look at O’Connor’s Texas Probate Law Handbook. You can find it at the reference desk.