When I got sworn in as a deputy prosecutor in Dubois County, that was a real honor. According to the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct, a prosecutor has the responsibility of a “minister of justice.” I take that responsibility seriously. But what does it mean to do justice?
Sometimes doing justice means taking a case all the way to jury trial. I’ve done that plenty of times. During the 9 years that I practiced in Dubois Circuit Court, I probably had more jury trials in that courtroom than any other attorney – prosecutor or defense attorney.
Sometimes doing justice means dismissing a case. I’ve done that as well for various reasons over the years, including times when I grew to doubt whether the defendant was actually guilty. My goal is to do justice, not to win.
Sometimes doing justice means speaking up when the law has not been followed – even if it means challenging a judge’s ruling. Yes, that is a daunting task, especially for someone like me who would prefer to avoid disagreements. But my job is to do the right thing, not the easy thing.
I am a career prosecutor and, if I am elected judge, there will be sadness in giving up the role that I’ve come to know and love. But one thing won’t change – I will still do my best to make just decisions in whatever case I’m handling.