Each state in the US has an Attorney General appointed by its legislature who acts as legal adviser to agencies and legislative bodies as well as overseeing compliance with state laws. In addition, their job includes enforcement.
The attorney general is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Their office is supported by the Department of Justice.
Number of Attorney Generals in the United States
Attorney generals serve as the state’s principal law enforcement officers. This office is charged with prosecuting violations of state laws as well as providing advice to state agencies and legislatures. States may choose to concentrate their attention on certain issues like drug crime or civil rights violations.
Most attorneys general have had some form of military experience. Furthermore, many have served as prosecutors or in elected office; and others even practice private law privately – Edmund Jennings Randolph himself started out his legal career by practicing private law himself before being appointed the first Attorney General.
Eric Holder is a Democrat appointed by President Barack Obama and is the first African-American U.S. Attorney General. Previously he worked under Janet Reno – also a Democrat – as deputy attorney general and was instrumental in restricting torture techniques during Afghanistan wartime. Holder earned both his undergraduate and legal degrees at Huntingdon College in Alabama.
Number of Attorney Generals in California
Most states have offices of attorneys general with headquarters located in their state capitols. Many boast large staffs of lawyers that specialize in various areas while some operate smaller branches to meet specific local needs. Furthermore, some Attorneys General also maintain criminal divisions which share jurisdiction with elected district attorneys.
Most Attorney Generals maintain a Civil Division to handle civil cases and provide legal counsel to state agencies, boards and commissions. This division often deals with consumer protection matters as well as environmental matters or investigating mortgage-related fraud, identity theft or illegal business practices.
Attorney Generals play an invaluable role in each state government by overseeing how laws are enforced consistently and fairly. Their job is highly esteemed and respected; former attorneys general have even gone on to hold higher offices such as governor, U.S. senators or even Supreme Court justice.
Number of Attorney Generals in New York
The New York Attorney General serves as its chief legal officer and “People’s Lawyer”, advocating on behalf of citizens, organizations and natural resources in New York State. As the top prosecutor for civil and criminal law violations committed within local, state or federal jurisdictions.
Department of Law’s Economic Justice Division uses broad enforcement powers to promote economic fairness. This includes challenging monopolization schemes that increase prescription drug costs; taking on internet service providers who do not meet their promises; protecting investors from dishonest investment advisors; protecting investors from unscrupulous advisors and rewarding “whistleblowers” who expose fraud against the State or its agencies.
Holland & Knight’s skilled NY AG practice works closely with its nationally acclaimed Public Policy & Regulation group, which is widely known for shaping laws and regulations critical to major industries. A recent example is defending a debt collection agency against an investigation led by both New York and Pennsylvania AGs into unfair business practices.
Number of Attorney Generals in Texas
Attorney generals serve as the top legal advisers of their states, acting as legal advisors for governors, agency directors, and authorized office holders. Beyond representing judicial proceedings in court proceedings and civil lawsuits filed on behalf of the state in civil courts; in addition, this office defends civil suits filed in its name; approves public bond issues; provides formal legal opinions as legal advice – this office also defends state contracts when necessary and defends against civil suits filed on its behalf against civil litigations filed by private parties; approves public bond issues as well. Finally, providing legal advice through formal legal opinions is another function performed by this office.
The Office is responsible for a range of functions, such as collecting and recovering property taxes, protecting charitable trusts, and prosecuting those who violate environmental protection laws or illegally extract natural resources. Furthermore, this office sues debtors who owe unpaid amounts owed to the state as well as defend governmental employees who are wrongfully terminated.
Attorney General Paxton has won major victories on behalf of Texas in cases relating to immigration, school rights, religious freedom and border protection – in particular stopping federal overreach – with his office taking on cases that defended state borders from federal overreach. He boasts a substantial and loyal Republican base who continue to support him even during challenging election cycles.
