how much power does an attorney general have

by Monica Nikolaus 3 min read

The attorney general is an executive office in all 50 states that serves as the chief legal advisor and chief law enforcement officer for the state government and is empowered to prosecute violations of state law, represent the state in legal disputes and issue legal advice to state agencies and the legislature.

How powerful is the attorney general?

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.

What are the powers of the US attorney general?

The U.S. Attorney General oversees the Department of Justice, represents the United States in litigation, and advises the President and heads of federal executive departments on legal matters. The U.S. Attorney General is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

How much power does a US attorney have?

As chief federal law enforcement officers, U.S. attorneys have authority over all federal law enforcement personnel within their districts and may direct them to engage, cease or assist in investigations.

How much does the attorney general of the United States make?

Attorney General is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, thus earning a salary of US$221,400, as of January 2021.

What's the difference between US attorney and Attorney General?

The president appoints U.S. attorneys, who mainly serve as administrators. Assistant U.S. attorneys handle the bulk of the trial work. The U.S. attorney general, who is the chief law enforcement officer in the United States and the head of the Department of Justice, has supervisory responsibility over U.S. attorneys.

How is Attorney General removed?

He can be removed by the President at any time. He can quit by submitting his resignation only to the President. Since he is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers, conventionally he is removed when the council is dissolved or replaced.

Who has the most power in the courtroom?

But the most powerful official in the criminal justice system who makes the most critical decisions that often lead to unjust results is the prosecutor. The power and discretion of prosecutors cannot be overstated.

Why is a prosecutor so powerful?

1Prosecutors are the most powerful officials in the American criminal justice system. They control the direction and outcome of all criminal cases, particularly through their charging and plea-bargaining decisions.

Who is more powerful judge or prosecutor?

Although the prosecutor makes a recommendation, the Judge holds the ultimate power.

Who decides Attorney General salary?

the PresidentThe remuneration of the Attorney General of India is not fixed by the Constitution. He receives such remuneration as the President may determine.

What type of lawyers make the most money?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

Who is the us Attorney General now?

As the nation's chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Garland leads the Justice Department's 115,000 employees, who work across the United States and in more than 50 countries worldwide.

What does the US attorney general investigate?

The Attorney General's responsibilities include safeguarding Californians from harm and promoting community safety, preserving California's spectacular natural resources, enforcing civil rights laws, and helping victims of identity theft, mortgage-related fraud, illegal business practices, and other consumer crimes.

What is the difference between Attorney General and Chief Justice?

In layman terms, Chief Justice is a Judge and Attorney General is a Lawyer, both have distinct roles to play. The Attorney General of India is the highest law officer of the country and he/she is the chief legal advisor to the GoI. He is responsible to assist the government in all its legal matters.

Does the US attorney general have to be approved by the Senate?

The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, an Attorney General of the United States. The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice. (Added Pub.

What does the US Attorney office do?

United States Attorneys serve as prosecution in criminal cases and both prosecution and defense for the federal government in civil cases. They serve under the oversight of the U.S. Attorney General and the Executive Office of United States Attorneys (EOUSA), but they retain a significant level of independence.

What is the role of the Attorney General?

The Attorney General is the Head of the Justice Department and the attorney for the United States in all legal matters. They dispense legal advice to the president and the heads of other governmental agencies when requested. The Attorney General may support important cases that go to the Supreme Court of the United States if the case is deemed important in nature.

What agencies are under the Department of Justice?

The Department of Justice is responsible for most of the legal business of the government, and therefore, many of the law enforcement agencies throughout the country. There are six litigating divisions in the department:

How many times has Barr been Attorney General?

Barr has served as Attorney General twice, once during the George H.W. Bush administration from 1991 to 1993, and currently in the Trump administration. Barr has been consistent in his determination that the Executive branch claims absolute executive authority, contrary to our system of checks and balances.

What did Barr say about Mueller?

In a startling comment, Barr made late last year at the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, Barr stated that communities that fail to show the respect and support that law enforcement deserves, finally stating that these communities “might find themselves without the police protection they need.”

What does Barr believe about the executive branch?

Barr believes that congressional subpoenas and restrictions to the President’s removal power and legislative vetoes are encroachments on the power of the Executive branch . In addition, Barr has indicated he is willing to do whatever it takes to preserve the power of the Trump presidency, even if constitutional violations occur.

What was Barr's role in the Iran Contra scandal?

When Barr served as Attorney General in the Bush (41) administration, he orchestrated the pardons for six people caught up in the Iran-Contra scandal. The ACLU has concluded of Barr’s record in both private and public life that “Barr amassed a record of advancing policies that advocated dragnet government surveillance, mass incarceration, and discriminatory profiling while pushing an aggressive theory of expansive executive power that sidelines Congress’ constitutional role in checking the president.”

How many agencies does the Department of Justice have?

The Department of Justice touches nearly every part of legal life in America, from violent crime to tax code violations, with nearly sixty separate and distinct agencies listed on the DOJ website. Other notable agencies the DOJ is responsible for include:

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is someone involved in your estate administration and planning process. While planning for your estate, you can name a power of attorney. This individual has as much authority as you wish to give them. They do not have unlimited power over your life.

What is springing power of attorney?

In comparison, a springing power of attorney has the ability to make decisions when a triggering event occurs. If an accident occurs where you are unable to make clear decisions, they can gain control over the situation at this time.

Is a limited power of attorney the same as a general power of attorney?

However, a limited power of attorney does not have as much power as a general power of attorney. A limited power of attorney is limited in ways that you decide. You can pick what field they have the authority to control. This can include certain financial aspects.

Can you limit someone's power?

Instead, you can limit their power as much as you would like. With these roles, a person can be highly involved in making important decisions regarding your life. Due to this, you should make sure to appoint someone you trust.

Can a power of attorney have unlimited power?

This individual can have the power to make important decisions that they should not mess up making. Although a power of attorney does not have unlimited power, they can if you wish to give it to them. A general power of attorney can have the authority to make decisions for you fiscally.

How Does Power of Attorney Work?

Power of Attorney works by allowing someone to make important decisions on your behalf, should you become incapacitated or medically unable to do so. The purpose of officially nominating a POA is to ensure that someone can act on your behalf in a timely manner should they ever need to. Without a POA, your family will typically have to go to court to appoint a guardian to handle these duties.

Why is it important to have a power of attorney?

After all, this allows someone to make medical, financial, and other important life decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to do so. It is important to choose someone you trust for the role, and for them to accept the responsibility.

What is a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney, often referred to as the Agent, has the right to make important life decisions on behalf of the person who nominated them, referred to as the Principal. Here are just some of the power of attorney duties:

How to protect the principal's interests?

There are a few ways to ensure the Principal’s best interests are protected at all times. First, it is crucial to select a trusted individual for the role. Many people choose a spouse, child, or sibling. Once you know who you would like to select, review your documents with a qualified Estate Planning lawyer to ensure the responsibilities and limitations are clear.

Can you nominate more than one POA?

Two people or more can have Power of Attorney, though it is generally advised against. Nominating more than one POA can create confusion when it comes time to make important decisions -- especially with time-sensitive medical decisions. However, if you want different individuals to handle different responsibilities you can nominate a different type of POA.

Can a power of attorney transfer money to themselves?

A Power of Attorney can transfer money to themselves if it is outlined in the original agreement or when the POA is acting in the Principal’s best interest. Unfortunately, situations do happen where a POA takes advantage of their legal rights by transferring funds beyond what is specified to themselves. In these cases, POA can be revoked and legal action can be taken by the Principal or a family member.

Can a POA be nominated?

The POA cannot be officially nominated unless the Principal is of sound body and mind.

How much did the Attorney General's office cost in 1896?

According to the sponsor of the legislation establishing the office of the attorney general, the comptroller and nine state departments, boards, and commissions collectively incurred at least $15,000 in legal expenses in 1896. Representative Harry E. Back estimated that the legal expenses of all of the state departments amounted to $25,000 annually. Representative Samuel Frisbie best summarized the purpose behind the proposed legislation when he stated: "I know of no single better way for saving money than the creating of this office." (Also see the Hartford Daily Times, May 21, 1897, p. 3 claiming that creation of office of attorney general would result in decrease in legal expenses of state departments).

What is the law that requires the Attorney General to appear before the General Assembly?

The law also requires that when any measure affecting the State Treasury is pending before any General Assembly committee, the committee must give the attorney general reasonable notice of the pendency of such measure, and requires the attorney general to appear and take whatever action he deems to be for the state's best interests.

What is the role of the Attorney General?

The statutes gives the attorney general supervision over all legal matters in which the state is an interested party, except those over which prosecuting officers have direction. The law requires the attorney general to appear for the state, the governor and other constitutional officers, all heads of departments and state boards, commissioners, and other specified state officials and entities in all suits and other civil proceedings.

How many statutes are there for the Attorney General?

We identified over 500 statutes that refer to the attorney general. Many of these impose specific duties or confer certain powers. We have summarized a few below.

How many assistants can an attorney general appoint?

The law authorizes the attorney general to appoint up to four associate attorneys general who serve at his pleasure and who are exempt from the classified service (CGS § 3-125).

Why was the Office of Attorney General established?

The office of the attorney general principally was established in response to the spiraling legal costs incurred by the various state departments (citing the Hartford Daily Courant, May 15, 1897, p. 12).

Where to file a bond for a charitable trust?

Whenever a trustee, under the provisions of any charitable trust, is required by statute to give a bond for the performance of his duties as trustee, the attorney general may cause a petition to be lodged with the probate court of the district in which such trust property is situated, or where any of the trustees reside, for the fixing, accepting, and approving of a bond to the state, conditioned for the proper discharge of the duties of such trust, which bond shall be filed in the office of such probate court.

4. Power of Attorney – American Bar Association

If you do not have a power of attorney and become unable to manage your personal or business Many people name their spouses or one or more children. (9) …

6. Power of Attorney FAQ – United States – LawDepot

Does my attorney-in-fact have unlimited power? Can I have multiple There are many reasons why someone would want to create a Power of Attorney.What is a Power of Attorney?What is a “principal” in a Power of Attorney? (17) …

8. Power of Attorney – Minnesota Judicial Branch

A Power of Attorney is a legal form but is NOT a court form. The attorney-in-fact does NOT have to be a lawyer and CANNOT act as an attorney for the (24) …

What is the title of a district attorney in Pennsylvania?

I practice in West Virginia, where they are called Prosecuting Attorney , and in Pennsylvania, where the title is District Attorney. Basically they are one and the same: the Office prosecutes persons charged with criminal offenses against the State. The Office might also in some States represent the County in which they are located in certain legal situations. But basically the Office represents the State (and theoretically the public) in prosecuting those charged with criminal offenses. Technically, the goal of a DA or PA on an ethical level is to seek justice, not necessarily a conviction, but

What is a power of attorney?

Most powers-of-attorney are limited in scope, and given for a specific purpose. For instance, you may prepare a medical power-of-attorney, which gives someone else the ability to decide your medical care if you cannot do so yourself. For instance, if you’re unconscious or unable to communicate for some reason.

Can you prepare a PoA for someone?

You may prepare a PoA for someone in a real estate transaction. When my mother died, her children jointly inherited her homes. To make the sales faster and easier, my brother and I signed PoAs so our sister could make all the decisions and sign all the paperwork. That was the sole scope of the PoA. She couldn’t do anything else in our names EXCEPT the necessary paperwork for the sales.

Can an attorney execute a will for a grantor?

There are typically statutory exceptions. For example, in my jurisdiction, an Attorney can execute a Will for the grantor, as this is legally deemed to be something so personal that only can be done by the person in question.

Can a limited power of attorney accept an offer?

Limited power of attorney: I am selling my house. I give someone limited power of attorney to accept any offer over $600,000. They cannot however, except an offer for my car.

Who can draft a document with limits?

An Elder law or estate planning attorney can draft the document with limits, set it to expire, make it durable or non-durable, only have it be relevant to a specific task, etc…

Can you sign a name under a PoA?

That’s a key to any PoA - it’s only effective under the terms you specify, and your own signature supersedes anything signed under a PoA. So, for instance, my mother could not sign my father’s name to anything if he was reasonably going to be available to do it himself.

image

What Is The Role of The Attorney General?

Image
The Attorney General is the Head of the Justice Department and the attorney for the United States in all legal matters. They dispense legal advice to the president and the heads of other governmental agencies when requested. The Attorney General may support important cases that go to the Supreme Court of the United …
See more on rantt.com

How Does One Become Attorney General?

  • The position of Attorney General is an appointed one, nominated by the president and confirmed by the United States Senate. There is also a succession plan in place in the event there is no Attorney General due to absence or death, which allows the Deputy Attorney General to assume all powers and duties of the office. While the Deputy Attorney General would not be a confirmed …
See more on rantt.com

What Are The Most Important Powers of The Attorney General?

  • The Attorney General will provide advice and guidance to the president and other high ranking officials regarding the law and how it should be implemented. This provides the Attorney General with a great deal of power, as they would have the ability to shape how laxly or punitively the law is to be applied. As the Justice Department has such wide-r...
See more on rantt.com

Who Is The Current Attorney General?

  • William Barr is the current Attorney General of the United States. He replaced Jeff Sessions in 2019 after President Trump fired Sessions. Barr has served as Attorney General twice, once during the George H.W. Bush administration from 1991 to 1993, and currently in the Trump administration. Barr has been consistent in his determination that the Executive branch claims a…
See more on rantt.com

What Agencies Are Under The Department of Justice?

  • The Department of Justice is responsible for most of the legal business of the government, and therefore, many of the law enforcement agencies throughout the country. There are six litigating divisions in the department: 1. Antitrust 2. Civil 3. Civil Rights 4. Criminal 5. Environmental and Natural Resources 6. Tax Each division is headed up by an Assistant Attorney General, and man…
See more on rantt.com

History of The Attorney General

  • The Office of the Attorney General was createdin 1789 and was intended to be a one-person position. The person in the position was supposed to be “learned in the law” and was tasked with conducting all suits in the Supreme Court and advising the president and cabinet in law-related matters. The work quickly grew, requiring the addition of multiple assistants and private attorne…
See more on rantt.com

List of Attorneys General

  1. William Barr, 2019 – Present
  2. Jeff Sessions, 2017 – 2018
  3. Loretta Lynch, 2015 – 2017
  4. Eric Holder, Jr., 2009 – 2015
See more on rantt.com

The Rantt Rundown

  • The Department of Justice, created in 1789, has grown from a part-time, one-person office to become the world’s largest law office, encompassing sixty different agencies and offices. The Attorney General is in charge of the Department and is responsible for all aspects of the Justice Department. The head of this vast bureaucracy has enough impact to shape the way laws are tr…
See more on rantt.com