By Zackary Colclasure, 2023 Rappaport Fellow
The Rappaport Center Fellows recently visited with Josh Levy, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Mr. Levy assumed the role on May 19, 2023, after serving as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney since January 2022. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Mr. Levy spoke warmly and colloquially about his unique experiences.
Mr. Levy first told the Fellows about his desire to take part in public service at an early age. After completing a clinic in law school, Mr. Levy knew he wanted to be a prosecutor. Mr. Levy noted how good it felt providing voices to victims and connecting with people from various walks of life.
Mr. Levy also reminisced on his time practicing in court and shared his current responsibilities as the Acting U.S. Attorney. After hearing a detailed overview of the office, the Fellows eagerly inquired about Mr. Levy’s prior positions and current policy goals. Mr. Levy recalled previous roles in detail and outlined initiatives he hopes to foster as the Acting U.S. Attorney. One of these initiatives, the RISE program, was created for those who have pled guilty to crimes and are under pretrial supervision prior to their sentencing. Mr. Levy cited how RISE aims at tackling the roots of criminal conduct and ultimately invokes the principles of restorative justice. Finally, Mr. Levy indicated his long-term desire to promote stability and instill confidence in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
After our meeting, the Fellows took part in a thoughtful tour of the John J. Moakley Courthouse. Located in Boston’s Seaport District, the Moakley Courthouse blends historical themes of justice with a modern public space. From the colorful Ellsworth Kelly panels to the handpicked water-struck bricks, our group was fascinated by the character of the federal courthouse.
This was due in large part to the efforts of our incredibly insightful Executive Director, Lissy Medvedow. Lissy guided us through the large and open communal areas while she reflected on how the courthouse was built to embody our justice system’s ideals of transparency, accountability, and equality.
No other stop better represented these ideals than the curving glass wall connecting the two sides of the L-shaped building. Facing the harbor, the glass symbolizes the democratic ideal of an open and accessible justice system. The steel framework supporting the glass serves as the architectural equivalent of the rational underpinnings of the law.
As our tour concluded in a courtroom trimmed with elegant green stenciling, the Fellows glimpsed into the remarkable career of a former Assistant Attorney General. The Fellows greatly appreciated the time spent at the Moakley Courthouse and will certainly remember this experience long after the summer ends.
Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy 