how do us attorney appointments work

The U.S. attorney is appointed by the President of the United States for a term of four years, with appointments subject to confirmation by the Senate. A U.S. attorney continues in office, beyond the appointed term, until a successor is appointed and qualified. By law, each United States attorney is subject to removal by the President.

Full Answer

How are United States Attorneys appointed?

Feb 16, 2022 · United States Attorneys are appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, and serve at the direction of the Attorney General. There are a total of 93 United States Attorneys appointed throughout the United States and its territories, each responsible for a specific judicial district.

What does the US Attorney's Office do?

Mar 13, 2007 · The U.S. Attorney is nominated by the President, based on recommendations from the Senators in the particular District. Almost without exception, the appointee is from the President’s political party. When a new President is elected, we get new U.S. Attorneys. The Assistant U.S. Attorneys get to stay, under civil service rules.

What is the history of interim US Attorney appointments?

Charged with ensuring “that the laws be faithfully executed,” the 93 United States Attorneys work to enforce federal laws throughout the country. The President appoints a United States Attorney to each of the 94 federal districts (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are separate districts but share a United States Attorney).

What does a United States Attorney do in the Western District?

The U.S. Attorney is a member of the Department of Justice and acts under the direction of the Attorney General to enforce federal laws within the jurisdiction and represent the federal government in civil and criminal cases. The U.S. Attorney is appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate and serves a term of four years.

When was the Office of the Attorney General created?

History and statutory authority. The Office of the United States Attorney was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 , along with the office of Attorney General and the United States Marshals Service. The same act also specified the structure of the Supreme Court of the United States and established inferior courts making up ...

What is the role of administrative management?

Administrative management direction and oversight, Operational support, Coordination with other components of the United States Department of Justice and other federal agencies. These responsibilities include certain legal, budgetary, administrative, and personnel services, as well as legal education.

What is an AUSA?

An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), or federal prosecutor, is a public official who represents the federal government on behalf of the U.S. Attorney (USA) in criminal prosecutions, and in certain civil cases as either the plaintiff or the defendant.

Overview

Appointment

The U.S. attorney is appointed by the President of the United States for a term of four years, with appointments subject to confirmation by the Senate. A U.S. attorney continues in office, beyond the appointed term, until a successor is appointed and qualified. By law, each United States attorney is subject to removal by the President. The Attorney General has had the authority since 1986 to appoint interim U.S. attorneys to fill a vacancy.

History and statutory authority

Role of U.S. attorneys

Executive Office for United States Attorneys

List of current U.S. attorneys' offices

Defunct U.S. attorneys' offices

See also