Delaware House recognizes National Public Defense Day and honors Office of Defense Services

The Delaware House of Representatives passed a resolution on March 18, 2025, recognizing National Public Defense Day and honoring the state Office of Defense Services, Representative Lynn said, and Kevin O'Connell of the Office of Defense Services addressed the chamber.

Representative Lynn introduced the item on the floor, saying, "Madam speaker, I'd like to briefly discuss senate concurrent resolution 29, recognizing 03/18/2025 as National Public Defense Day, and to honor specifically our Office of Defense Services here in the state of Delaware." The resolution was placed on consent calendar number 3 and approved by voice vote as part of that calendar.

Kevin O'Connell, introduced to speak on behalf of the Office of Defense Services, thanked members for legislative support for indigent defense. He said, "I certainly appreciate that your sponsorship. And thank you members of the house, for all that you do for indigent defense." He cited the U.S. Supreme Court's Gideon precedent in arguing for resourced counsel, saying, "everyone is entitled to the assistance of trained and resourced legal counsel when they are charged with a crime."

O'Connell also warned of funding challenges elsewhere, saying, "There are places in The United States, believe it or not, where public defenders don't make enough money," and he praised lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for supporting public defense in Delaware.

The resolution recognition is ceremonial; the chamber approved it as part of consent calendar number 3 by voice vote. No separate roll-call tally for Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 was recorded in the transcript excerpt.