The criminal justice system functions best when prosecutors and defenders have a level playing field, allowing cases to be presented based on research, facts, and evidence

Whether in district or circuit courts across all 120 counties, the kentucky supreme court, or the kentucky court of appeals, public defense ensures that the legal system remains balanced and fair for all who come before IT. To support this effort, the commonwealth of kentucky employs 177 prosecutors and just over 400 public defenders. The kentucky higher education assistance authority (kheaa) is requesting $[amount] to administer and provide loan repayment benefits to qualified applicants pursuing careers as prosecutors and public defenders serving the commonwealth of kentucky. If approved for the grant, kheaa will award benefits based on financial need. Three public service prosecutors and three public defenders will be selected from each of the seven kentucky supreme court districts, and three additional prosecutors and public defenders will be chosen from a statewide applicant pool. The benefit amount will be $[amount] per beneficiary. Governor andy beshear has designated kheaa to administer the john r. Justice grant program for the state of kentucky.