“(T)he duty of a prosecuting attorney is not to persecute, but to prosecute, and that he should endeavor to protect the innocent as well as prosecute the guilty. He should always be interested in seeing that the truth and the right prevail” –From Bailey v. Commonwealth, 193 Ky 687, 237 Sw. 415, 417 (1922)
Jennifer Joyce believes that the role of a prosecutor is to pursue justice by upholding the laws of the State, defending the Constitution of the United States of America, holding the guilty accountable, advocating on behalf of victims and protecting the innocent from wrongful conviction.
Joyce works to ensure she has experienced and well trained prosecutors and staff who demonstrate strong legal skills, operate within the highest ethical standards and show an unwavering commitment to operating with integrity. To support these efforts, each year, CAO attorneys participate in hours of continuing legal education, often exceeding State standards and staff members participate in various training and development activities.
In addition, Joyce and her team have built a reputation of pursuing justice and conviction integrity through their daily activities as well as through special projects.
The DNA Justice Project is on such example. This proactive initiative of the Circuit Attorney's Office was designed to pursue justice by using DNA technology to test evidence in prior cases that have resulted in convictions, before the dawn of DNA testing technology we enjoy today.
Joyce has been recognized by The Innocence Project, which was founded in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University to assist prisoners who could be proven innocent through DNA testing, for her cooperation and open approach to ensuring the guilty are convicted and the innocent are free.