Best Urban, State & Local Government Law Books of 2025

Walk the Blue Line is a collection of true stories from law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect and serve their communities. The book showcases the courage, hurt, anger, and joy that can be found in every officer's DNA. It provides keen insights into the men and women behind the police sirens, revealing what it's really like to wear the uniform and carry the weight of responsibility. The book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered what these officers see, how they feel, and why they do it.

The 2016 edition of the North Carolina Notary Public Manual, published by the UNC School of Government, is a comprehensive guide for notaries public in North Carolina. It contains practical instructions, tips, and best practices that are essential for notaries. The manual also includes updated information, such as the North Carolina Administrative Code section for notaries that was not in the previous edition. For those who are already commissioned notaries, this book serves as a legally required replacement to the previous edition of the manual that notaries currently own. Overall, this manual is a must-have for North Carolina notaries and provides valuable information to help them carry out their duties effectively.

Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels is a gripping nonfiction thriller that sheds light on the corruption and betrayal rampant in one of Los Angeles' most powerful institutions. Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Paul Pringle, takes readers on a roller-coaster ride as he investigates the shocking events and helps bring justice in the face of formidable odds. Packed with never-before-disclosed details, this book is a masterclass in investigative journalism that reads like L.A. noir. Overall, a must-read for fans of Spotlight and Catch and Kill, and anyone interested in the power dynamics of institutions and the role of journalism in holding them accountable.

The Condominium Concept is a practical guide that provides valuable insights to officers, owners, realtors, attorneys, and directors of Florida Condominiums. The book offers the latest Florida Statutes along with forms and references, making it an excellent working tool for anyone involved in managing a condominium association. Author Peter Dunbar is a well-known authority on the laws governing condominiums, and his 34 years of experience are reflected in the book's informative content. Overall, The Condominium Concept is an essential read for anyone looking to operate a successful condominium association in Florida.

The Law of Florida Homeowners Association, 12th Edition is an essential guide for anyone involved in a Florida homeowners association. The book is written by attorney Peter Dunbar, who is a well-respected authority on community association law, and attorney Charles Dudley. The book is updated to reflect the latest Florida statutes and covers everything from budgeting to conducting productive meetings. It also includes 27 forms that can be adapted to any association. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the management of a Florida homeowners association.

The Law by Claude Frédéric Bastiat is a powerful refutation of Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto, published two years earlier. Bastiat discusses the proper function of the law, the law and morality, and the basis for stable government. He argues that property rights and individual freedoms flow from natural law, making socialism a form of legal plunder. This 1850 classic is a must-read for anyone interested in general constitutional law books. The book is published under Creative Commons and is a great addition to any collection.

The Educator's Guide to Texas School Law: Tenth Edition is a comprehensive and authoritative source of information on Texas school law. Written for educators, school board members, attorneys, and taxpayers, this latest edition covers recent legislative changes and their implications for effective school operations. The book covers a wide range of topics including student discipline, special needs education, employee rights, and legal liability for schools and personnel. It also includes discussion of major federal legislation and state laws pertaining to cyberbullying, inappropriate relationships, and human sexuality instruction. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Texas school law.

Servants of the Damned is a national bestseller that exposes the dark side of American law. David Enrich's book delivers a devastating exposé of the power wielded by the world's largest law firms, tracing how they shielded opioid makers, big tobacco, Russian oligarchs, and more. Enrich focuses on Jones Day, one of the largest law firms in the world, with deep ties to corporate interests and conservative politics. Jones Day's checkered history includes its work for Donald Trump, defending him in various legal matters. Servants of the Damned is a compelling account of how mega law firms distort justice.

This book, titled "29 CFR 1926 OSHA Construction Industry Regulations & Standards: Up to Date as of 2/07/2023", provides safety and health standards for the construction industry promulgated by the Secretary of Labor under section 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. The book includes the standards published in subpart C and following subparts, as well as statements of general policy and interpretations of section 107 of the Act having general applicability in subpart B. The republication in 1979 developed a single set of OSHA regulations for both labor and management forces within the construction industry. This book is a valuable resource for construction industry professionals and is recommended for those interested in federal jurisdiction law books.

The New Jersey Statutes Title 39 Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation 2022 Edition is a must-have for anyone in the legal field, including law firms, independent lawyers, and paralegals. It is also an excellent resource for students and the general public. The book is up-to-date with the latest regulations, and it is presented in a format that is easy to read. The book covers several chapters, including words and phrases defined, certain vehicles excepted from chapter, motor vehicle inspections, and public auction of abandoned motor vehicles. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone dealing with motor vehicle and traffic regulations in New Jersey.