Legal Definitions - Pocket part

A pocket part is a small, softcover supplement inserted into a special pocket, typically found inside the back cover of a larger legal textbook or reference volume. Its primary purpose is to update the main publication with recent changes in the law, such as new statutes, court decisions, or regulatory amendments, that have occurred since the main volume was printed. Consulting the pocket part is crucial for legal professionals to ensure they are relying on the most current and accurate legal information available.

• Example 1: A lawyer researching property law.

  Imagine a lawyer advising a client on the legality of a new fence installation, which might be subject to local zoning ordinances. The lawyer consults a comprehensive multi-volume treatise on real estate law. Before providing advice, the lawyer would open the relevant volume and check the pocket part. This ensures they are aware of any recent amendments to the zoning laws, new court rulings interpreting property rights, or changes in local regulations that have been enacted since the main treatise was published, thereby guaranteeing their advice is based on the most current legal standing.

• Example 2: A law student studying constitutional law.

  A law student is preparing for an exam on First Amendment rights and is using a well-regarded commentary on constitutional law. To ensure their understanding is current, the student would look for the pocket part in the back of the volume covering free speech. This supplement would contain summaries of any landmark Supreme Court decisions or significant legislative changes related to free speech that have occurred since the main text was published, which are critical for a complete and up-to-date grasp of the subject.

• Example 3: A paralegal verifying administrative regulations.

  A paralegal is assisting an attorney with a case involving environmental permits and needs to verify the current requirements from a specialized administrative law treatise. To ensure accuracy, the paralegal would look inside the back cover for the pocket part. This supplement would detail any new regulations issued by environmental agencies or recent interpretations of existing rules, which could significantly impact the permit application process and the client's case.