The Fred Parks Law Library is home to an impressive collection of more than 3,000 rare books dating back to the 15th century. Focusing on the seminal works in English Common Law, Spanish and Mexican law, Maritime law, and Texas legal history, the collection highlights the chronicles of law and the artistry of early bookmaking.
Here, we give you a glimpse of the Spanish Law collection. As a part of New Spain, Texas was shaped by Spanish colonial law. Following Texas’ independence in 1836, the republic largely adopted English Common Law while maintaining elements of Spanish judicial procedure, land titles, water law, and family law. Many of the distinctive features of modern Texas law have roots in Spain.
