The Meaning Behind the Seal
In 2019, the APANJ redesigned its official seal. “Our seal represents us. It’s who we are!” says APANJ President David V. Calviello, who spear-headed the project to change the association’s official logo.
“The new APANJ seal is fresh, sharp, and vibrant. It contains our motto and our message. It represents all 21 counties who make up our statewide membership. Our seal will soon become recognizable beyond the membership. I encourage members to proudly wear our seal on their apparel in their offices and around the state. I’m proud of our Executive Board and Board of Trustees for supporting this project and completing it in time to debut at the annual CPANJ college,”
- APANJ President David V. Calviello
Advocating for Assistant Prosecutors
Sequens Iustitia:
The English translation of this Latin phrase is Pursuing Justice, which is the motto of the APANJ and is featured prominently in the center of the seal.
Est. 1973:
The committee to redesign the APANJ logo spent considerable time researching the origins of the association. What they found was remarkable. Although the APANJ was formally incorporated in 1996, its origins go back over two decades prior to the early 1970s. Legislative research, coupled with interviews with lawmakers from the 1970s, as well as a former president of the APANJ from the mid-seventies (Ronald Marmo, J.S.C. (Ret.), a former Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor), led them to discover that the organization was established in 1973, when its founding members campaigned to pass a “tenure bill” for full-time assistant prosecutors.
Nearly fifty years later, the APANJ continues to stay true to its core principle ~ advancing the interests of assistant prosecutors statewide. Therefore, it was necessary to celebrate its longevity. The new seal proudly accentuates the enduring spirit of the APANJ by stamping “Est. 1973” on its face.
Elements and Symbolism of the APANJ Seal
Elements of the Seal:
21 Gold Stars
Twenty-one gold stars encircle the perimeter of the seal, each representing one of the twenty-one county prosecutor offices. The motto – Sequens Iustitia – seamlessly connects all twenty-one stars in a circle of unity, symbolizing how each county is united to one another in their endless pursuit of justice.
The Shield
Each assistant prosecutor, upon their appointment, swears an oath to uphold the Constitution and Laws of the State of New Jersey. The shield of the APANJ symbolizes the work that assistant prosecutors perform in the criminal justice system as protectors of society and safeguarding the rule of law.
Gold Laurel Wreath of Wheat
The APANJ shield rests upon a gold laurel wreath of wheat. Traditionally, wheat represents prosperity, the cycle of the seasons, and continuity of life. Wheat also symbolizes self-sacrifice. The laurel wreath on the seal embodies those images as well as the continuous peace and tranquility provided by the protective shield of the APANJ.
Scales of Justice
The centuries-old Greek mythical image of Lady Justice is Iustitia, the goddess of Justice, and is personified by her balancing of the Scales of Justice. Lady Justice is also blindfolded and carries a sword, which symbolizes the fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, favor, greed, or prejudice. The scales of justice are an iconic and powerful reminder that justice requires the balancing of the needs of the individual against the needs of society.
By their oaths, assistant prosecutors recognize their core duty is to pursue and promote just resolutions in all criminal cases. The scales of justice featured prominently in the center of the seal serve as a constant reminder that criminal justice requires the fair balancing of the interests and equities of the offender against those of the State and the citizens it seeks to protect.
Torch
At the center-point of the seal is the burning flame atop a gold torch, which balances the scales of justice, flanked on its left and right. The torch is a common symbol of enlightenment, hope, and truth. The torch embodies the powerful symbolic light leading the way in the pursuit of justice. The flame is eternal, and serves to remind citizens that the assistant prosecutor always stands ready to serve and protect justice and the rule of law. Once they are done, the torch is handed-off to lead the next generation of untiring assistant prosecutors who continue the pursuit.
Sword
The handle of the torch forms the point of a sword at the base, symbolizing the protective-spirit of the assistant prosecutor, who zealously adheres to the principles of law and guards against encroachments that threaten safety and welfare of the citizenry. The sword symbolizes the ideals of the APANJ, which are: protection, authority, strength, and courage. The pointed edge of the sword epitomizes the penetrating strength of the intellect.
Twisted Gold Rope
The seal is encircled by a layer of twisted gold rope, which symbolizes the strong partnership among the members of the APANJ, who are dependent upon one another and forever connected by their common cause – the pursuit of justice. Twisted rope signifies our strength-in-unity.
Colors of the Seal:
APANJ Blue
The symbolism associated with the darker shade of blue filling the lower half of the shield as well as the background to the circle of stars conveys the confidence of the assistant prosecutor; the power of their duties; the authority they represent; the stability of their office; the unity of their association; the trust they foster with the public; the solidarity they share with their law enforcement partners; and the freedom they seek to protect.
APANJ Gold
The symbolism of the color gold among the elements of the seal is associated with the illumination of light and wisdom. Gold represents the power of the Office of the County Prosecutor and its position of authority in society. Gold espouses the virtues of courage and compassion, which inspire the assistant prosecutor. Gold is associated with quality, demanding high performance and strict adherence to excellence.