Monday, July 15, 2024
Every year, attorneys with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association (TCDLA) honor America and its freedoms by publicly reading the Declaration of Independence at county courthouses across the state on July 3.
In Gatesville, local attorneys Paul Harrell and Allen Place gathered in front of the Coryell County Courthouse to recite the declaration. 440th District Judge Grant Kinsey, who is not a part of TCDLA, also participated in the ceremony.
Before the reading, Harrell quoted TCDLA President David Guinn about the importance of the annual tradition:
“We are honored on Independence Day to commemorate the birth of our nation,” Guinn said. “TCDLA celebrates the Declaration of Independence as the true north guiding principle this great nation was founded upon. The Declaration of Independence has always signified freedom and equality for everyone in our country. As defenders of this notion, defense lawyers continue to fight to preserve freedom and equality in courtrooms from the largest cities to the most rural communities every day.”
According to a TCDLA press release, the readings are a reminder to those in the criminal justice system that the abuses of power will be exposed and fought by members of the defense bar.
“I believe it is an annual reminder that as Americans we do not accept tyranny inside or outside the courthouse,” said Robert Fickman, the founder of the declaration reading tradition, in the release.
The TCDLA is the largest state association for criminal defense attorneys in the nation. The Declaration of Independence ceremony is part of a statewide effort by local defense lawyer groups affiliated with the organization.
To learn more, visit tcdla.com
