Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DUFFY, John L.
DUFFY, John L. (Dubuque, IA, May 22, 1898--Dubuque, IA, Sept. 24, 1969). Duffy held the office of county attorney for two terms from January 1, 1935, to December 31, 1940. He was elected to the legislature and served two terms, from January 1, 1947, until December 31, 1950, when he returned to the office of county attorney. He served one term from January 1, 1951, to December 31, 1952, when Robert OETH replaced him. After his defeat in the 1952 primary, Duffy worked in the private sector until 1954 when he again ran for the state legislature. He served seven terms until he was defeated in the Democratic primary of 1968 by Michael BLOUIN.
Duffy originated the repeal of the Iowa "blue laws" or Sabbath laws and the "lame duck" bill regarding holdover councilmen in local elections. Duffy's bill would allow councilmen elected in city-manager operated communities to take office in about two weeks rather than nearly a year after the election. (1)
As Dubuque County Attorney, Duffy won a murder conviction in 1938 of a man he later felt never got a fair trial (2) After watching a hanging, Duffy was so affected by the gruesomeness of capital punishment that he devoted much of his fourteen years as a Representative to its abolition. After dramatically recalling his witnessing of the hanging, the House voted to repeal capital punishment for all crimes. The bill passed the Senate and became law with the governor's signature in February 1965. He also favored bills in support of the closed shop, liquor by the drink, and adequate pay for legislators.
Duffy worked at various times as a deputy collector of Internal Revenue and as an advisory member of the Iowa State Bar Commission on legislation.
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Source:
1. "Duffy Would Cut Long Wait Period," Telegraph Herald, February 17, 1949, p. 1
2. Haws, Dick, "Remember Iowa's History Before Seeking Capital Punishment," Des Moines Register, January 9, 2017, Online: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2017/01/09/remember-iowas-history-before-seeking-capital-punishment/96354402/
DBQDemocrats.org. Online: http://www.dbqdemocrats.org/halloffame.php