Most of these laws were passed in the 1920s and 30s when lawyers sought to protect their privileges from competitors. For all practical purposes it doesn't. In the leading case on the subject, the New York Court of Appeals ruled in 1967 that the publication and distribution of Norman Dacey's book How to Avoid Probate could not constitutionally be prohibited under New York's unauthorized practice statute. Free and open discussion or even controversy could lead to reforms, if needed, or improvement where desirable. Books purporting to give advice on the law, and books critical of law and legal institutions have been and doubtless will continue to be published.
Legal forms are available for purchase at many legal stationary stores.
Unless we are to extend a rule of suppression beyond the obscene, the libelous, utterances of or tending to incitement, and matters similarly characterized, there is no warrant for the action here taken. The courts may issue an injunction prohibiting the activity found to be the unauthorized practice of law. In this case, the court could prohibit Nolo from making its books and software available to Texas residents. By extension, this could mean that Texas bookstores and libraries could be ordered not to stock Nolo publications. These same studies have concluded that virtually all complaints about UPL come from lawyers protecting their turf.