P R E S S R E L E A S E
7th ANNUAL READING OF
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Houston, Texas – In celebration of Independence Day, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) is holding its 7th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence as we celebrate its 240th anniversary. This year’s event will be led by JoAnne Musick, HCCLA’s immediate past president.
HCCLA’s reading of the Declaration is an annual tradition that was started in 2010 by past president Robert Fickman. Last year our tradition was shared in 139 counties across Texas, covering more than one-half of all county seats. This year, Robert Fickman has led the statewide effort through our affiliate, TCDLA, and has secured readings in all 254 counties within Texas. HCCLA continues to lead Texas with the largest gathering, boasting over 100 local attorneys, judges and Houstonians in attendance.
The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty embodying a stand against tyranny. Our founders resisted the illegal and immoral practices of the crown. Today, we continue to fight against the abuses of government: police and prosecutorial overreaching and misconduct. Prosecutors continue to withhold evidence, courts persist in plea mills, police abuse our citizens, and appellate courts engage in intellectual dishonesty to achieve a desired result while disregarding rules of law. Our reading is a reminder to all that abuses will be exposed and the government will be held accountable.
Please join us in honoring our nation’s most sacred document in the spirit of independence:
When: Friday, July 1, 2016
Where: Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin Street, Houston, Texas
(front steps of the courthouse)
Time: 11:30am
The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association is the largest local criminal defense bar in the United States with more than 800 active members.
CONTACT: JoAnne Musick via email or 832-448-1148
More information on our tradition can be found here
On July 2, 2015 members of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association again assembled on the courthouse steps for our annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Began in 2010 by Robert Fickman, this was our 6th Annual Reading.
