how does the missouri state attorney general get their job?

by Hilario Torphy 5 min read

The Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the State of Missouri as mandated by our Constitution. The Attorney General is elected by Missouri voters, serves a four-year term, and is not subject to constitutional term limits.

The Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the State of Missouri as mandated by our Constitution. The Attorney General is elected by Missouri voters, serves a four-year term, and is not subject to constitutional term limits.

Full Answer

What is the Office of the Missouri Attorney General?

The Attorney General’s Office brings and defends lawsuits on behalf of the State and prepares formal legal opinions requested by State officers, legislators, or county attorneys on issues of law. The Office represents the State in litigation at all levels ranging from a variety of administrative tribunals to the U.S. Supreme Court.

What is an attorneys general and what do they do?

The Attorney General's Office offers unpaid internships for law students, college students, and committed volunteers throughout the year. The Office of the Attorney General is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Office actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. View Job Openings QUICK LINKS About AG Schmitt Contact Us

How is the Attorney General of a state chosen?

The average Missouri Attorney General salary ranges from approximately $47,209 per year for an Investigator to $84,798 per year for an Assistant Attorney General.Missouri Attorney General employees rate the overall compensation and benefits package 2.6/5 stars.

What does the Missouri Department of Public Safety Attorney Division do?

Attorneys general are the top legal officers of their state or territory. They advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and act as the “People’s Lawyer” for the citizens. Most are elected, though a few are appointed by the governor. Select your state to connect to your state attorney general's website. Find your state or territory:

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Who is the Missouri attorney general appointed by?

Eric S. Schmitt was appointed to become the 43rd Attorney General in January 2019 filling the mid-term vacancy created by Josh Hawley's election to the United States Senate....Missouri Attorney General.Attorney General of MissouriSeatSupreme Court buildingFormation1806WebsiteMissouri Attorney General official website3 more rows

How is the US Attorney General chosen?

The attorney general is a statutory member of the Cabinet of the United States. Under the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution, the officeholder is nominated by the president of the United States, then appointed with the advice and consent of the United States Senate.

How much does the Attorney General of Missouri make?

$107,746State executive salariesOffice and current officialSalaryAttorney General of Missouri Eric Schmitt$107,746,Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft$107,746Missouri Director of Natural Resources Dru BuntinMissouri Public Service Commission Maida Coleman$105,5708 more rows

Does the Attorney General have to be approved by Congress?

The United States attorney general is the head of the U.S. Department of Justice. The position requires a presidential nomination and subsequent confirmation by the United States Senate.

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

How much does a congressman make in Missouri?

State representatives are paid $35,915 per year, with a per diem of $121 per day. The Speaker of the House is the most powerful individual in the chamber, elected by all members of the House.

How much does a Missouri governor make?

Governor of MissouriMissouri GovernorGeneral informationOffice Type:PartisanOffice website:Official LinkCompensation:$133,82114 more rows

Does the Missouri Senate get paid?

At least 47 state senators have attained higher statewide office or become a U.S. senator or congressman for Missouri. Missouri state senators earn an annual salary of about $35,915.

How many attorneys generals are there in Missouri in 2021?

As of January 2021, there have been 43 attorneys general in Missouri. Eric S. Schmitt was appointed to become the 43rd Attorney General in January 2019 filling the mid-term vacancy created by Josh Hawley 's election to the United States Senate. By law, the attorney general is a member of the Board of Fund Commissioners, ...

When was the Missouri Attorney General created?

Missouri Attorney General official website. The Office of the Missouri Attorney General was created in 1806 when Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory. Missouri's first Constitution in 1820 provided for an appointed Attorney General, but since the 1865 Constitution, the Attorney General has been elected.

What is the government affairs division?

The Governmental Affairs Division "protects the safety and well-being of Missourians by ensuring that regulated professionals adhere to state laws and disciplinary rules, by enforcing state ethics and campaign finance laws, and by removing caregivers who abuse or neglect vulnerable citizens". It also charged with helping mentally ill and physically challenged Missourians obtain guardians to help get care. Division attorneys also help Missourians seek redress for claims of discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, disability, age and familial status.

What is the job of the Consumer Protection Division?

Consumer Protection Division. The attorney general has the responsibility of protecting the public's interests in an open and honest marketplace. The Consumer Protection Division enforces Missouri's Consumer Protection Act and antitrust laws, and has the responsibility of representing the commissioner of securities of the secretary ...

What states are involved in the Missouri River?

Legal battles over the Missouri River often pit Missouri against states that are upstream (specifically North Dakota and South Dakota) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

How many divisions does the Attorney General have?

To fulfill these and other responsibilities, the attorney general's office is organized into eight divisions.

What are the consumer protection laws in Missouri?

Missouri's consumer protection statutes prohibit deception, fraud, unfair practices and misrepresentation or concealment of material facts in the sale or advertisement of goods or services. These laws authorize the attorney general to take action against such fraud and ensure that consumers' rights are protected.

What branch is the Attorney General of Missouri?

The Attorney General of Missouri is an elected constitutional office within the executive branch of the Missouri state government. The office was created in 1806 when Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory. Missouri 's first state constitution in 1820 provided for an appointed attorney general, but since the 1865 constitution, ...

What is the authority of the Missouri Constitution?

Authority. The Missouri Constitution addresses the office of attorney general in Article IV, the Executive Department . Under Article IV, Section 12: The executive department shall consist of all state elective and appointive officials and employees except officials and employees of the legislative and judicial departments.

What is the office of prosecutor services?

The Office of Prosecution Services is a division of the state attorney general's office and conducts all investigations of campaign finance law violations that are in the office's jurisdiction. The first step in filing a campaign finance complaint is to file with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

How many members of the Ethics Commission are needed to investigate a criminal case?

An investigator must fully review the complaint and a vote of four members on the ethics commission is needed before any investigation can proceed. All criminal investigations are forwarded to the attorney general from the ethics commission upon finding of probable cause.

How long does it take to get a copy of the ballot?

A copy of the ballot text is also sent to the state auditor in order to prepare a fiscal note and fiscal note summary statement. This must be completed within 20 days of the initiative being filed. When the attorney general receives the fiscal note and summary, the ballot text will be reviewed for its legality.

Who is responsible for campaign finance in Missouri?

The Attorney General of Missouri is responsible for all prosecution of criminal violations of Missouri 's campaign finance laws. The Office of Prosecution Services is a division of the state attorney general's office and conducts all investigations of campaign finance law violations that are in the office's jurisdiction.

Who must send ballot text to in Missouri?

According to the Missouri initiative and referendum guidelines, when ballot text is submitted to the state secretary of state, a copy of the text must be sent to the attorney general.

How long is the term of the Attorney General of Missouri?

The Attorney General is elected by Missouri voters, serves a four-year term , and is not subject to constitutional term limits.

What does the Attorney General's Office do?

In addition, the Office handles all appeals statewide from felony convictions. The Attorney General’s Office brings and defends lawsuits on behalf of the State and prepares formal legal opinions requested by State officers, legislators, or county attorneys on issues of law.

What are the two divisions of the State Attorney General's Office?

The Office comprises two general divisions: Civil and Criminal. The Criminal Division includes: The Office also includes an Office of Solicitor General, who represents the interests of the state in appellate and national matters.

What is the mission of the judicial branch?

Mission Statement. To protect and advance the interests of the state and its citizens through the judicial and legislative process and to serve as the People’s lawyer, fighting for openness and justice, especially for those who have no voice.

How many states have an attorney general?

According to the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), state constitutions establish the Office of the Attorney General in 44 states and the selection method and term length in 42 states.

What are the qualifications for an attorney general?

The most common qualifications address minimum age, citizenship, residency, electoral status, and bar admission. Others prohibit the attorney general from holding multiple offices.

How old do you have to be to be an elector?

In the absence of a provision prescribing minimum age, we know that he or she must be at least age 18 since no state currently allows younger individuals to qualify for electoral status.

Account Clerk

Contact attorneys and other court personnel to resolve technical discrepancies with court filings.

Court Clerk

Contacts attorneys and other court personnel to resolve technical discrepancies with court filings.

Assistant General Counsel - OGC

An attorney in this position will exercise discretion and independent judgment under the direction of the Department's general counsel within the framework of…

Assistant General Counsel

Develop effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws.

Court Manager (Assistant Director)

Provide information to and answer questions from judges, court staff, partner agencies, attorneys, and the general public related to matters involving the civil…

Associate Attorney

May be required to obtain licenses in several state (CO, CT, MN or MD) as deemed necessary by caseloads in those respective states.

Attorney I

Graduation from a school of law approved by the American Bar Association; current membership in the Missouri Bar in good standing or licensure in another state…

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Overview

  • As the states chief legal officer, the attorney general must prosecute or defend all appeals to which the state is a party, including every felony criminal case which is appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court and courts of appeal. He also is required to institute, in the name and on behalf
See more on mo.gov

Attorney for the State

Divisions of the Attorney General

See also

The Office of the Missouri Attorney General was created in 1806 when Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory. Missouri's first Constitution in 1820 provided for an appointed Attorney General, but since the 1865 Constitution, the Attorney General has been elected. As of January 2021, there have been 43 attorneys general in Missouri. Eric S. Schmittwas appointed to become the 43rd Attorne…

Notable attorneys general from Missouri

The Missouri Attorney General is the attorney for the state, representing the legal interests of Missouri and its state agencies.
As the state's chief legal officer, the attorney general must prosecute or defend all appeals to which the state is a party, including every felony criminal case appealed to the Supreme Court of Missouri and Missouri Court of Appeals. The attorney general also is required to institute, in the n…

External links

The mission of the Agriculture and Environment Division is to "protect Missouri's natural resources and agricultural productivity."
Attorneys shall take legal action to stop pollution of the state's air, water and soil and penalize polluters through fines, penalties and, in the most serious cases, incarceration.
The Attorney General has taken action in recent years to protect the state's interests in manage…

Current Officeholder

• Attorney General
• List of Attorneys General of Missouri

Authority

• Jay Nixon (1993–2009) – longest serving at 16 years, Governor of Missouri
• John Ashcroft (1977–1985) – Attorney General of the United States, United States Senator, Governor of Missouri
• John Danforth (1969–1977) – United States Ambassador to the United Nations, United States Senator

Qualifications

• Missouri Attorney General articles at ABA Journal
• News and Commentary at FindLaw
• Missouri Revised Statutes at Law.Justia.com
• U.S. Supreme Court Opinions - "Cases with title containing: State of Missouri" at FindLaw

Elections

  • The current officeholder is Eric Schmitt. On November 13, 2018, Gov. Mike Parson (R) appointed Schmitt to succeed Josh Hawley.
See more on ballotpedia.org

Vacancies

  • The Missouri Constitution addresses the office of attorney general in Article IV, the Executive Department. Under Article IV, Section 12:
See more on ballotpedia.org

Duties

  • In order to serve as attorney general, an individual must be a U.S. citizen (number of years not specified) and have been a state resident for at least one year.
See more on ballotpedia.org

Divisions

  • Missouri elects attorneys general in the presidential elections, that is, in leap years. There are no term limitson the position.
See more on ballotpedia.org

Role in The Initiative Process

  • Article IV, Section 4of the Missouri Constitution gives the governor the power to fill vacancies in public offices.
See more on ballotpedia.org

Compensation

  • The attorney general is the attorney for the entire state, representing the legal interests of Missouriand its state agencies. As the state's chief legal officer, the attorney general must prosecute or defend all appeals to which the state is a party, including every felony criminal case appealed to the Missouri Supreme Courtand courts of appeal. The attorney general also is requir…
See more on ballotpedia.org

Historical Officeholders

  • As of January 11, 2021, the Office of the Attorney General of Missouri has two main divisions: Civil and Criminal.
See more on ballotpedia.org