enforce the laws - that's what an attorney general does

by Porter Langworth 4 min read

As the chief officer of the Department of Justice, the attorney general enforces federal laws, provides legal counsel in federal cases, interprets the laws that govern executive departments, heads federal jails and penal institutions, and examines alleged violations of federal laws.

Can a state Attorney General enforce federal law?

The Attorney General’s Duty to Defend and Enforce Constitutionally Objectionable Legislation The Attorney General has a duty to defend and enforce both the Acts of Congress and the Constitution; when there is a conflict between the requirements of the one and the

What does the Attorney General’s office do?

Jan 24, 2015 · It is the attorney general’s responsibility to enforce the laws of the state evenly and fairly across the entire citizenship. As such, the attorney general’s office works with the different levels of state law enforcement , state judiciary, federal law enforcement, and judiciary as well as international law enforcement to assist in legal interpretation and coordination efforts.

Can the US Attorney General represent an individual officer in court?

The Office of the Attorney General Enforces the Order. When child support payments aren't made, the Office of the Attorney General can take many actions to enforce the court order. These can include court action, license suspension, credit reporting, passport denial and more.

Does the Attorney General represent the state in a lawsuit?

The attorney general is the one who is supposed to defend the laws of the state that pays him or her to represent it. Personal views aside, failing to do that job borders on unethical (and may, in fact, put a lawyer right in the middle of an ethics problem).

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What are the duties of the Attorney General?

The principal duties of the Attorney General are to:Represent the United States in legal matters.Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Department.More items...•Oct 8, 2021

What power does the US attorney general have?

The Attorney General of the United States – appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate – heads the DOJ with its more than 100,000 attorneys, special agents, and other staff. It represents the United States in federal criminal and civil litigation, and provides legal advice to the President and Cabinet.

Who is the new US attorney general?

Merrick GarlandThe current attorney general is Merrick Garland....List of U.S. attorneys general.Attorney GeneralYears of serviceMerrick Garland2021-PresentJanet Reno1993-2001William Pelham Barr1991-1993Richard Lewis Thornburgh1988-199182 more rows

Is the FBI part of the Department of Justice?

Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.