OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association recently presented Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, with its Liberty Bell Award.
The Liberty Bell Award is presented annually to legislators who make significant contributions to the state’s greater good, particularly in support of the legal community and justice system.
Jack Thorp, District Attorney for Oklahoma’s District 27, presented the award, recognizing Duel for his work supporting Oklahoma’s prosecutors and his leadership as vice chair of the House Criminal Judiciary Committee.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the Liberty Bell Award from the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association,” Duel said. “My goal has always been to strengthen our legal system while ensuring justice is served fairly, particularly for those most vulnerable, such as our children.”
Duel served as the author of House Bill 3774, arguably the Oklahoma District Attorney Association’s most significant request bill this year. His efforts improved the procedures for handling child hearsay, ensuring that defendants retain their right to face their accusers while protecting children from having to testify in court unless there is a jury trial.
HB3774 expands the use of child hearsay to include crimes such as homicides, kidnappings, and domestic violence. It also allows child hearsay to apply not just to child victims but to children who are witnesses to these crimes.
Duel, a Republican, has served House District 31 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2022. His district includes parts of Logan and Oklahoma counties.
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