The Church of the Legal Mind

How many out there own a Bible?  Did you know that 88 percent of people in America own at least one Bible?  88 percent!  That's a lot of people.  The problem is that owning and using are two different things since only 1 in 5 Americans actually read the Bible.  The thing is you'd think anything called "the Bible" would be THE one book people would read because it THE definitive words from the Word.

Turns out, there are a number of legal resources in the law business considered to be the bible in their respective fields.  For instance, Basset on California Community Property Law (West) is the bible for all things community property in California.  If you're in a family law matter and you NEED to know something about community property and you're in a California court/jurisdiction, then you're really going to want this book in your hand.  Really, really, and amen.

Another legal bible is California Probate Practice (Lexis).  Are you in probate court or are looking to be in probate court eventually?  If so, then this bible should be in your hands and you should be taking copious notes.  Hallelujah!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the bible of criminal law, namely California Criminal Law: procedure and practice (CEB).  If you are a criminal or know someone who is a criminal or have ever contemplated becoming a criminal, then this is the bible for you.  It's contents contain all that is related to criminal law in California.  So, if you need to know anything criminal in California, this is the bible for you.  Testify!

Other legalesque bibles of note include:

• Black's Law Dictionary (West)
• Miller & Starr California Real Estate (West)
• Collier on Bankruptcy (Lexis)
• McQuillin: municipal corporations (West)
• Nichols on Eminent Domain (Lexis)
• Kohn on Music Licensing (Aspen)
• Williston on Contracts (West)
• Page on Wills (Lexis)
• Appleman on Insurance Law (Lexis)
• Fletcher Cyclopedia Corporation (West)
• EEOC Compliance Manual (CCH)

There are other bibles out there, but these are the ones I reach for when I need some serious religion. 

So, if ever you find yourself a bit lost and confused, know that the good folks at your local county law library have seen the light.  Yea (and verily), we are eager to guide you on your straight and narrow way to the good word; baptizing you in the name of West, Lexis and CEB and to help you find your path to righteous researching.  Hallelujah and amen!  Can I get an amen?!