MEMORANDUM

TO: JOHN MADDOX, ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
     SAM LEE, ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY

FROM: JAMES N. RAMSEY, DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL

DATE: JANUARY 8, 2002

RE: UNSUNG HERO CITATION

This is to cite you each for distinction in working the courts day in and day out without recognition.

You work heroically in the face of regular calumny and abuse from ignorant and/or malicious self-appointed critics who deem themselves experts, capable of doing your job better than you. They are mistaken and you have my gratitude and support in the excellence of your professional work.

To read the local press one would think pleas and convictions happen sua sponte in the court without the participation of a prosecutor. Only when a party is dissatisfied does one read about the presumed failings of the District Attorney's office. The press swallows and promulgates this dysinformation indiscriminately, if not downright knowingly.

Some police, some victims rights "advocacy" groups and others perceived as "righteous" in the process are not constrained as prosecutors are by ethical considerations, and thus can vent their partisan zeal irresponsibly and without restraint. Fortunately most do not, knowing that the Bill of Rights (due process of law) protects citizens (defendants) against their government (in this case, us).

The system contemplates that while the police "protect and serve" pursuant to the governmental function termed "health, safety and general welfare" the prosecutor represents the People, where resides the deliberate discretionary charging function at the level of the judiciary. The police receive practical training, but the prosecutor necessarily holds an advanced academic degree - a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. This country is not a police state and we defy the vigilante impulse of the mob while bringing criminals to justice.

This is as it should be, and your work has exemplified and implemented these basic professional and democratic ideals - even (or especially) when the demagogic or unknowing militate against these concepts. EC 7-13 defines the line between civilization and tyranny.

You are unsung heroes, and I thank you.

James N. Ramsey
District Attorney General