Reflections of a Former Federal Prosecutor

On the evening of May 16, Shelly Jerrett P’24 offered an extremely informative and engaging Mini Circle Talk about her work as a former federal prosecutor in Massachusetts. Mixing humor with detail, Ms. Jerrett explained to students and faculty in attendance how federal prosecutions and prosecutors work, such as what differentiates grand juries from trial juries, and the indictment process in the federal system. She discussed some high-profile, notable cases prosecuted by her former colleagues in the District of Massachusetts, as well as some of her own trials and appeals she handled during her fourteen-year tenure as a federal prosecutor.

Ms. Jerrett, who now works as an attorney for Boston Scientific, expressed pride in her accomplishments as a federal prosecutor and the crucial role that federal prosecutors play in the American justice system. She also emphasized that the rule of law requires that prosecutors pursue justice, not simply convictions, and the seriousness of the duty as a prosecutor whenever someone’s liberty is at stake. And, she urged her audience to embrace their responsibility—indeed their privilege as citizens—to serve as jurors.

After her talk concluded, students asked Ms. Jerrett about a host of issues surrounding federal prosecutions, including the question of political influence and ambition. Ms. Jerrett responded that political motivation or ambition should not drive prosecutions, and that those who commit wrongdoing should be held accountable regardless of any political motivation or ambition. When asked why she chose to become a prosecutor rather than a public defender, Ms. Jerrett answered that she had a calling to perform public service by protecting victims and society in general from crimes. While defendants are entitled to a vigorous defense, victims and society are also entitled to be represented by advocates who believe in protecting the public.