Latest and Greatest – Federal Deception Law

By Jonathan Sheldon and Carolyn L. Carter

Published by National Consumer Law Center (2016)

KF 1609 .S3 2016

The Harris County Law Library has recently received the new edition of Federal Deception Law, just one of many titles available from the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) in its Consumer Credit and Sales Legal Practice Series. Other titles in this series include Foreclosures, Student Loan Law, Truth in Lending, Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice, Consumer Warranty Law, and Automobile Fraud. A companion treatise to NCLC’s Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices, Federal Deception Law focuses on federal and parallel state rules and remedies applicable to consumer transactions. Chapters address FTC trade regulation rules and their scope, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules, telemarketing fraud and unwanted calls, texts, and Spam, federal and state RICO requirements, the Federal False Claims Act, and much more.

Database Access

Did you know that the online versions of the NCLC materials are available at the Law Library? With the online versions, you will have access to the full text of the treatises as well as any forms and pleadings. Moreover, the online editions are updated more frequently than their print counterparts, so you will always have access to the latest information. In addition, you can print, download, or email the results of your research. To use the database, simply ask at the reference desk, and one of our librarians will gladly log into the database on the Law Library's research computers. Visit our downtown Houston location for more information.

Latest and Greatest - Advanced Consumer & Commercial Law Course

Just in time for Consumer Law Resource Month, the Harris County Law Library has received its copy of the 11th Annual Advanced Consumer and Commercial Law Course sponsored by the State Bar of Texas. Cosponsored by the Consumer & Commercial Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, this two-day seminar and webcast held in Austin in September 2015 featured discussions of the more relevant issues in the area of consumer law. Topics included:

• Telephone Consumer Protection Act
• Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)
• Successfully Restructuring a Defaulted Loan
• Indemnification
• Texas Residential Construction Litigation
• Ethical Issues for the Commercial Lawyer
• Tenant Rights and Remedies under the Property Code
• Auto Finance
• Debt Collection
• Short-Term Lending

Look for the most recent course materials at the reference desk. All other consumer law and DTPA course materials can be found in the library’s CLE section. Visit our downtown Houston location to learn more.

In TBJ: Local Justice a Violin Virtuoso

Justice Brett Busby, 14th Texas Court of Appeals

Justice Brett Busby’s name often appears in the pages of the Texas legal community’s newspapers and magazines next to quotes and facts about his successful legal and judicial career.* But in the February 2016 issue of Texas Bar Journal, Justice Busby is featured for his musical talent.  In the interview, he recounts an invitation he received from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to play his violin while clerking for the Court. More recently, Justice Busby performs with the Houston Civic Symphony, which holds five concerts a year. He is also chair of Artistic & Orchestra Affairs for the Houston Symphony Orchestra, through which he promotes music programs for local school children.

If you would like to read about Justice Busby’s musical endeavors, visit the Texas Bar Journal website for a digital copy or find a printed copy of the journal at the Harris County Law Library.

* See, e.g., John Council, Texas Conservative Leaders Mourn Justice Antonin Scalia, TexasLawyer.com, Feb. 22, 2016.

Latest and Greatest - Credit Repair

By Robin Leonard

Published by Nolo (12th Edition 2015)

HG 3756 .U54 L46 2015

Is bad credit making it impossible for you to get a loan, an apartment, or even a job offer? If so, take a look at Nolo’s Credit Repair for tips on building a positive credit profile. This book will take you step by step through the process of repairing your credit. From the nuts and bolts of credit reports to cleaning up those reports, this resource will help you assess your financial situation and show you how to reduce your current expenses and debt and find ways to satisfy and negotiate the payment of those debts. In addition, the author offers suggestions on how to rebuild, create, and maintain a positive credit history. A chapter is even devoted to avoiding identity theft and the steps you should take if your identity and personal information are stolen.

Credit Repair also includes references to organizations, agencies, and publications that can offer additional information to assist you in the credit repair process. There is a list of federal agencies to which you can submit consumer-related complaints and a list of consumer protection agencies available in each state. Moreover, there are over 30 legal forms that you can use in your efforts to rebuild your credit. Remember, it’s up to you to take the first step for a better financial future. So what are you waiting for? Come to the Harris County Law Library and look for this, and many other titles, in our Self-Help Collection.