1. Blue Marble Health: An Innovative Plan to Fight Diseases of the Poor Amid Wealth
By Peter J. Hotez
Provides new public health framework called "blue marble health," which acknowledges that the world’s "neglected tropical diseases" [NTDs] are increasingly found not just in developing countries but also among the extremely poor who live in wealthy countries like the United States. Commends recent Texas legislation that called for surveillance of NTDs; advocates for continued legislative action and better physician training and research on diagnosing and treating these diseases.
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016. 205 pages.
362.1086 H797B 2016


 

2. The Last Sheriff in Texas: A True Tale of Violence and the Vote
By James P. McCollom
Highlights the controversial tenure of Sheriff Vail Ennis, who was elected in 1944 and by 1947 had killed seven men, making him the first Bee County sheriff to kill anyone. Details the efforts of Representative Johnny Barnhart, Beeville's "favorite son," to remove Sheriff Vail from his office. Resonates with issues in present-day headlines: excessive force in law enforcement, election fraud, the power of the oil industry, and mistrust of politicians and the political process.
Counterpoint Press, 2017. 260 pages.
976.4 M133L 2017


 

3. Not a Crime To Be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America
By Peter B. Edelman
Examines how the poor are financially victimized by the U.S. criminal justice system. Documents numerous cases where the punishment for minor violations committed by low income individuals far exceeds the crime. Reports that fines often multiply exponentially, drivers' licenses are repeatedly suspended, or individuals are incarcerated because they are unable to pay the fees and fines levied - essentially turning our court system into debtors' prisons. Offers strategies for ending this epidemic of disproportionate punishments that criminalizes the poor.
The New Press, 2017. 293 pages.
362.5 ED27N 2017


 

4. River of Hope: Forging Identity and Nation in the Rio Grande Borderlands
By Omar S. Valerio-Jimenez
Explores how Spain, Mexico, and the United States competed for control of the lower Rio Grande borderlands, and thereby shaped the social and political identities of the region's inhabitants. Suggests the period from 1749 to 1900 saw the "transformation of privileged Spanish subjects into neglected Mexican citizens and, ultimately into unwanted American citizens."
Duke University Press, 2013. 369 pages.
305.8 V237R 2013


 

5. Body-Worn Cameras: Laws and Policies in the South
By Nick Bowman
Examines the history of body-worn cameras in law enforcement, including predecessors to the cameras and the origins of camera use in Britain and the United States. Considers policy issues relating to implementation of body-worn cameras, including camera features and quality, data storage, staffing, and privacy. Details body-worn camera laws and regulations in fifteen states, including Texas.
Southern Legislative Conference, Council of State Governments, 2017. 23 pages.
363.23 B684B 2017


 

6. Texas Legislative Law Handbook
By Kevin C. Stewart
Provides guidance on how to navigate the legislative process in Texas, including how to draft legislation. Discusses principles relating to points of order and how to use them to "scrub" (kill) bills. Includes chapters on statutory interpretation, administrative law, as well as campaign and ethics law. Features appendices with drafting and bill-scrubbing checklists, a rule referencing list, and vote requirements of each chamber.
The Law Offices of Kevin C. Stewart, 2018. 270.
328.764 ST49T 2018