Itâs a tradition that Texas lawyers have conducted for many years. The effort is organized by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, which holds public readings of the Declaration of Independence across the state just before the Fourth of July is celebrated. âWe are proud to emphasize the patriotism associated with Independence Day,â association President Grant Scheiner, a Houston resident, said in a news release. âTCDLA recognizes the Declaration of Independence as a bedrock document that not only liberated the colonies but eventually led to the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the American rule of law â concepts criminal defense lawyers use every day to protect individual liberties in courthouses across the land.â