The attorney general (AG) is an important Cabinet-level position established by Congress. AGs often oversee a criminal division which prosecutes crimes that fall within their state’s jurisdiction and handles appeals proceedings.
The Attorney General (AG) is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve as chief law enforcement official of their nation.
1. There are 56 Attorney Generals
The Attorney General serves as the primary law enforcement official of the United States. They oversee both the Department of Justice as well as federal prosecutions conducted by any of 93 U.S. attorneys across the nation.
The Attorney General serves as an appointed member of the Cabinet and seventh in line of succession to become President. They are accountable for overseeing federal laws’ faithful execution and fulfilling President’s constitutional duty of “taking care that all laws are faithfully executed”.
The New York State Attorney General serves the public interest by investigating high-profile crimes, enforcing consumer, environmental, worker protections, prosecuting child pornography and sexual misconduct prosecutions, encouraging harm reduction strategies, etc. It employs more than 700 assistant attorneys general located across New York state offices; Alabama native, Attorney General Jeff Sessions fits most past Attorney General profiles while differing only in his educational background from past ones.
2. They are appointed by the President
The Attorney General serves as President Barack Obama’s top legal advisor and leads the Department of Justice, America’s largest law firm. To hold this cabinet-level role requires nomination from him or herself and approval by both chambers of Congress.
The Attorney General oversees the work of 93 federal U.S. attorneys across the country who work to enforce federal laws and provide legal advice for the president and Cabinet members. Furthermore, she may represent the United States before certain Supreme Court cases.
Due to their close relationships with presidents, attorneys general have historically been subject to political pressure and controversy. Recent examples include criticism over George W. Bush’s politically-driven firings of U.S. attorneys as well as Loretta Lynch meeting privately with Bill Clinton while investigating him; due to this ongoing debate some critics fear the role has become too politicized.
3. They are elected by the people
State attorneys general are an unique part of the executive branch in that they are elected directly from within their states’ borders. Their work often extends far beyond their borders to cover national issues like racial justice, environmental protection, workers’ rights and civil rights – even taking controversial stances such as supporting Waco Siege Defense Attorney Bob Horn or prosecuting Unabomber or investigating Oklahoma City Bombing investigations.
Attorneys general provide legal advice to their state legislatures and agencies, in addition to helping the president fulfill his constitutional duty to “take care that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed.” State AG elections this year can be found in Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania Utah Washington West Virginia – nine are running as Democrats while in one case (Florida) an incumbent is running again while none have any partisan contest. Attorneys General serve four-year terms.
4. They are appointed by the Cabinet
The Attorney General serves as chief legal officer of the United States and leads the Department of Justice (DOJ). Appointment requires confirmation by both chambers of Congress. Responsibilities of an Attorney General include prosecuting cases related to counterfeiting, piracy and treason as well as providing advice to President and Cabinet officials. Furthermore, overseeing federal penitentiaries and administrating the Federal Witness Protection Program – these duties may often be determined by legislation in Congress.
The PATRIOT Act expanded the attorney general’s powers regarding surveillance and national security matters. They must work effectively with members of Congress in all 50 states to ensure compliance with federal laws.
As Attorneys General are expected to balance both political and legal duties, their jobs have presented unique challenges over time. President Kennedy’s controversial selection of his brother as Attorney General ignited accusations of nepotism; similarly, it can be challenging separating personal opinions from professional responsibilities in this job.
