Friday, March 16, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Joins Jennifer Joyce for St. Louis Justice Awards Program
ST. LOUIS – Gov. Matt Blunt today joined St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce to present the Excellence in Prosecution Award. The award was part of the third annual City of St. Louis Justice Awards Program.
"The fundamental duty of government is to ensure the safety of its citizens, and I applaud our state prosecutors and supporting staff members for their hard work and commitment to seeing that Missouri remains safe from crime," Blunt said. "Their dedication to the rule of law is honorable and has helped ensure criminals face the consequences of their actions."
Blunt helped present the Excellence in Prosecution Award to Jeannette Graviss. She successfully prosecuted a case involving a perpetrator who, among other violent offences including homicide, shot a police officer. The criminal is now serving a life sentence. During his state of the State address the governor called on state lawmakers to pass legislation that makes the death penalty mandatory in cases involving the murder of law enforcement officers.
The Justice Awards program honors attorneys, investigators and support staff who have excelled in their pursuit of justice during the past year. During the ceremony Circuit Attorney Joyce also honored staff who received justice awards, service awards, Trial Star Awards, Rookie of the Year Award, Teamwork Award and other special recognitions.
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