SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 889

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Robert L. Spangenberg on the occasion of his 80th birthday; and

WHEREAS, Robert Spangenberg is the founder and president of the Spangenberg Group; he created this organization in 1985 as an extension of his longtime interest in civil legal services and indigent defense; the group has through the years published hundreds of reports and studies pertaining to the country's system of justice in criminal and juvenile proceedings; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, he has visited all 50 states and has served as an expert witness in court proceedings and appeared before legislative bodies to testify about the justice system; his work in Texas on the Fair Defense Report in 2000 laid the groundwork for the passage of the Fair Defense Act of 2001; and

WHEREAS, He has earned numerous awards over the course of his illustrious career, notably the Champion of Indigent Defense Award from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Reginald Heber Smith Award from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, he joined the faculty of George Mason University, where he continued his work on indigent defense matters; this outstanding legal scholar is truly deserving of recognition as he celebrates the milestone of his 80th birthday; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Robert L. Spangenberg on his many achievements and extend to him best wishes on his 80th birthday; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 14, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate