Across the state’s 254 counties today, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association members led readings of the Declaration of Independence in honor of the Fourth of July.
State Bar of Texas President-elect Tom Vick of Weatherford joined in the tradition in Parker County, telling the Texas Bar Blog it was a “moving exercise.”
In Austin, criminal defense attorneys gathered in the Travis County Justice Complex courtyard as attorney Bradley Hargis—along with an American Sign Language interpreter—led a reading of the nation’s founding document.
Learn more about the association’s tradition from our earlier post below on June 29, 2016.
To celebrate the 240th anniversary of the United States, criminal defense attorneys across the state will lead readings of the Declaration of Independence later this week.
Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, members of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in all 254 counties of the state will read the nation’s defining document on July 1, an annual tradition started six years ago by Houston criminal defense lawyer Robert Fickman, a past president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.
This year’s effort surpasses that of 2015, when readings took place in 139 Texas counties.
“The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty embodying our stand against tyranny,” representatives of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association said in a news release. “Our readings are our reminder to all in the criminal justice system that abuses of power will be exposed and fought by the defense bar.”
To find a local reading and information on which attorney will be leading it, go to declarationmap.org.