1. The Science of Gun Policy: A Critical Synthesis of Research Evidence on the Effects of Gun Policies in the United States
By Rosanna Smart, et al.
Examines what the scientific literature reveals about the likely impact of various gun laws. Analyzes the effects of eighteen types of state firearm policies on firearm deaths, violent crime, suicides, the gun industry, defensive gun use, and other outcomes. Presents a series of conclusions and recommendations relating to safe gun storage laws, stand your ground laws, permitless carry, background checks, minimum age of purchase, and other firearm policies. Note: This report is part of the RAND Corporation’s Gun Policy in America initiative.
RAND, 2023, 427 pages
363.33 SM636S 2023

 

2. The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic
By Stephen I. Vladeck
Analyzes the U.S. Supreme Court's increased usage of their emergency docket, also known as the shadow docket. Reviews the history of the Court's authority and the procedures for expediting emergency cases that do not require oral arguments and often result in unsigned and unexplained orders. Examines recent cases and policies addressed in the shadow docket, including COVID mandates, immigration, and abortion. Discusses the Court’s treatment of the case involving SB 8, 87th Legislature, R.S., the Texas Heartbeat Act.
Basic Books, 2023, 334 pages
347.73 V865 2023

 

3. Steeped in a Culture of Violence: Murder, Racial Injustice, and Other Violent Crimes in Texas, 1965-2020
By Brandon T. Jett and Kenneth W. Howell, editors
Compiles a collection of essays that examines the culture of violence in Texas along with the social and political responses to violent events from 1965 to 2020. Presents case studies of brutality against racial minorities, the LGBTQ community, and intimate partners, as well as gang violence and mass shootings. Offers insight regarding the underlying causes of violent crime and how to mitigate it.
Texas A&M University Press, 2023, 266 pages
364.152 J58ST 2023

 

4. We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America
By Roxanna Asgarian
Investigates the murder-suicide of the Hart family, consisting of Jennifer and Sarah Hart, as well as their six adopted children from Texas. Offers an in-depth examination regarding the lack of action concerning the child abuse allegations against the adoptive parents. Advocates for reform of the foster care system and addresses relevant federal and Texas foster care and child welfare laws.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023, 297 pages
364.152 AS818W 2023

 

5. For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America
By Jonathan D. Cohen
Presents a history of state run lotteries since 1964 through late twentieth century American political, religious, and economical perspectives. Posits that the rise of state lotteries in the modern era arose from the allure of tax-free revenue to state legislatures. Examines the role of advertising on promoting the industry to communities in lower income and African American neighborhoods.
Oxford University Press, 2022, 281 pages
795.3 C678F 2022

 

6. Impeached: The Removal of Texas Governor James E. Ferguson
By Jessica Brannon-Wranosky and Bruce A. Glasrud, editors
Collects a series of essays exploring the historical context of the 1917 impeachment of Governor James E. "Pa" Ferguson, including his relationships with The University of Texas, prohibition, women’s suffrage, and the Texas Press. Reflects on the role of the Texas legislature and the impact of the impeachment on Texas state politics over the following century. Presents contextualized primary source documents such as Ferguson's Texas Farm Tenant Law, annotated by scholars to allow a better understanding of the ideas and groups surrounding the impeachment of Ferguson.
Texas A&M University Press, 2017, 202 pages
342.764 B735I 2017