Family Law in Louisiana is designed for use in law school courses that involve the study of the distinctive family law of Louisiana, a law that represents a unique blend of civilian and Anglo-American legal principles. Topics covered include prerequisites for and the nullity of marriage; the dissolution of marriage; the incidents of divorce, such as interspousal alimony, child custody, and child support; filiation (paternity); parental responsibility and authority; care for children outside of marriage (tutorship); jurisdiction and choice of law; and constitutional constraints on state regulation of family relations.

The primary objective of this work is a study of tort law in the United States and Louisiana. It differs from most other torts casebooks, however, in that it has a secondary objective of providing an exercise in comparative law. In the United States, we often overlook the fact that the common law system that prevails in our nation is not the only legal system in the world. Much of the world applies a civil law approach in which a civil code has a more prominent role than case law. In a world in which trade and economics, politics, and law cross national borders, it has become increasingly important to be aware of and conversant in other nations' legal systems. Louisiana, the only state in the United States that can be described as a mixed jurisdiction, using both civil law and common law, provides an excellent model for examining and comparing and contrasting civil law and common law approaches to various legal issues.This book invites the reader to both study tort law and consider the differences and similarities between the common law states and a state that has a civil code and views the role of the courts and the legislature somewhat differently.

Mike Rubin¿s numerous writings on security devices are often cited as authoritative by state and federal courts. The latest edition of his Précis, written in plain English, provides a readily-understandable overview of Louisiana¿s unique laws on mortgage, suretyship, lease financing, the Deficiency Judgment Act, the Private Works Act, and traps for the unwary under Louisiana¿s version of U.C.C. art. 9. Much more than a mere overview, however, it also contains an in-depth discussion of each of these areas, accompanied by numerous examples that concisely illustrate the rules and concepts. Completely updated to reflect legislative and jurisprudential changes, this book is a must-have.

With obscure terms like 'emphyteusis' and 'jactitation, ' the language of Louisiana's civil law can sometimes be confusing for students and even for seasoned practitioners. But the 'Louisiana Civil Law Dictionary' can help. It defines every word and phrase contained in the index to the Louisiana Civil Code, plus many more - in clear and concise language - and provides current citations to the relevant statutes, code articles, and cases. Whether you are a student, researcher, lawyer, or judge, if you deal with Louisiana and its laws, this volume will prove indispensable. It is also a valuable resource for notaries and paralegals. No doubt common law practitioners in other states, too, will find ready uses for a dictionary that translates civil law terminology into familiar concepts; they will know how 'naked ownership' differs from 'usufruct.' And since the civil law dominates the world's legal systems, this book will find a home with libraries and scholars in many countries, anywhere there is a need to compare civil law terms with those of the common law. "Rome and Kinsella have done a huge service to legal scholarship by assembling the 'Louisiana Civil Law Dictionary' - a splendid resource for those seeking to understand the rich vocabulary of Louisiana law." - Bryan A. Garner, President, LawProse, Inc.; and Editor in Chief, 'Black's Law Dictionary' "For ready reference on the desk or in a personal or law firm library, in the office of a civilian of any walk of practice or intellectual endeavor, this enormously helpful dictionary is a must. This scholarly reference is essential to the study of the civil law tradition; the 'Louisiana Civil Law Dictionary' serves as a gateway to understanding the civil law system embraced by the majority of legal systems in the world." - J. Lanier Yeates, Member, Gordon Arata McCollam Duplantis & Eagan, LLC

Interacting with the legal system can be stressful and intimidating for mental health professionals. This trusted book provides user-friendly strategies to help clinicians prepare for giving testimony in court and participating in other legal proceedings. Using vivid case scenarios from family, criminal, and mental health law, the author explains legal terms and offers practical suggestions for avoiding pitfalls and managing ethical dilemmas. Thoroughly revised to incorporate updates in research, case law, statutes, and practice, the second edition addresses several new topics and includes an appendix with reflection questions extending the scope of each chapter. The book takes clinicians through the entire legal process, from first contact and the preparation stage to testimony and follow-up. It covers the nuts and bolts of how to respond to subpoenas, consult and strategize with attorneys, and develop sound record-keeping practices. Guidelines are presented for performing effectively on the stand as a fact witness or expert witness. The second edition gives increased attention to ethical issues, such as dual relationships, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and competence. It also explores special issues that may arise in cases involving children and examines the developing role of mental health professionals as forensic consultants. Reproducible agreements and other sample documentation can be photocopied from the appendices or downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. Supplemental materials for course use--including an instructor's manual--are available at the author's website. Written in an empathetic, down-to-earth style, this book is an invaluable resource for clinical psychologists, social workers, family therapists and counselors, psychiatrists, and child welfare professionals, as well as forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. It is widely used as a text in graduate-level courses dealing with clinical practice and the law.