how powerful is the state attorney general

How many states have an elected Attorney General?

43 states have an elected attorney general. Elected attorneys general serve a four-year term, except in Vermont, where the term is two years. Seven states do not elect an attorney general.

What is the role of the state Attorney General?

The state attorney general in each of the 50 U.S. states and territories is the chief legal advisor to the state government and the state's chief law enforcement officer.

How hard is it to become a state Attorney General?

There are only 50 U.S. states, and one attorney general in each. So, the opportunities to become a state attorney general are finite and limited.

How much does a state Attorney General get paid?

Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not. In 43 states, the AG is elected by popular vote. In the other seven states, the AG is appointed by the state government. As of 2013, the last public reporting of all state AGs' annual salaries, Colorado paid the least at $80,000 and Tennessee paid the most at $182,508.

Who has more power the US attorney or the attorney general?

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.

Are US attorneys powerful?

Abstract. Prosecutors are the most powerful officials in the American criminal justice system. The decisions they make, particularly the charging and plea-bargaining decisions, control the operation of the system and often predetermine the outcome of criminal cases.

Does the US attorney general have power over the Supreme Court?

United States Supreme Court decisions directly affect attorney general offices' ability to enforce state laws and defend government officials' conduct. Attorney general offices therefore play an active role before the Supreme Court.

What powers does the attorney general of the United States have?

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.

Who has the most power in the courtroom?

the prosecutorBut 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.

How powerful is a district attorney?

District attorneys have the power to choose which charges are filed against an individual accused of a crime. When the police arrest someone, the district attorney's office has the power to prosecute those cases, divert the accused to a program or drug treatment, or dismiss the case altogether.

What is the role of Attorney General?

Who is Attorney General of India? Article 76 of the constitution mentions that he/she is the highest law officer of India. As a chief legal advisor to the government of India, he advises the union government on all legal matters. He also is the primary lawyer representing Union Government in the Supreme Court of India.

What is the purpose of the US 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.

Who runs the justice Department?

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland was sworn in as the 86th Attorney General of the United States on March 11, 2021. 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.

Who is the current attorney general of the United States?

Merrick GarlandUnited States / Attorney generalMerrick Brian Garland is an American lawyer and jurist serving as the 86th United States attorney general since March 2021. He served as a circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1997 to 2021. Wikipedia

Who does the Attorney General of New York report to?

The attorney general advises the executive branch of state government and defends actions and proceedings on behalf of the state. The attorney general acts independently of the governor of New York.

How many US attorneys are there?

93 United States AttorneysA U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE: BASIC FACTS There are currently 93 United States Attorneys: one for each of the 94 federal judicial districts, except for Guam and the Northern Marianas, where a single U.S. Attorney serves both districts.

What powers does the Martin Act give the Attorney General?

The law empowers the attorney general to subpoena witnesses and documents for information pertaining to possible fraud. "The Martin Act gives really broad powers," said Dennis Vacco, a Republican who served as New York attorney general from 1995 to 1998.

What powers does the Chief Legal Officer have?

As the chief legal officer in a state with that provides her with sweeping investigatory and prosecutorial powers, she can keep that promise.

What is the power of corporate death?

The power has been described by the state Supreme Court as a "judgment of corporate death," with the offending company's transgressions needing to be so serious "as to harm or menace the public welfare" in order for it to be an appropriate remedy.

Who subpoenaed Trump's banks?

James recently subpoenaed Trump's banks, seeking information about the Trump Organization and the president's finances. Though Trump has dismissed these efforts as "presidential harassment" and tweeted that James, a Democrat, "openly campaigned on a GET TRUMP agenda," several former New York attorneys general and legal experts say the president could have plenty to fear.

What is the role of the Attorney General?

The state attorney general in each of the 50 U.S. states, of the federal district, or of any of the territories is the chief legal advisor to the state government and the state's chief law enforcement officer. In some states, the attorney general serves as the head of a state department of justice, with responsibilities similar to those of the United States Department of Justice .

How long does an attorney general serve?

Elected attorneys general serve a four-year term, except in Vermont, where the term is two years. Seven states do not popularly elect an attorney general. In Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Wyoming, the attorney general is a gubernatorial appointee. The attorney general in Tennessee is appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court ...

How many terms can an attorney general serve in Puerto Rico?

Many states have passed term limits limiting the selection to 2 consecutive terms (9 states); 2 terms maximum (4 states), but 33 states still have no term limits.

What powers does the Attorney General have?

To whit, the office has the power to exercise prosecutorial discretion. This entails the power to decide when to prosecute a defendant, when to cut a plea bargain, and sentence recommendations. This power is respected in American law to the same extent that judicial discretion is. It is the understanding that there are limited funds available for the prosecution of crimes and that prosecutors ought have the ability to decide, based on the facts, when i

What is the name of the law firm that the Attorney General runs?

The US Attorney General is like the Chief Legal Officer of the US government. He runs the largest law firm in the country- the Department of Justice.

What are the powers of the President of the United States?

The answer to this question could be debated for years. The Powers that the President of the United States is Phenomenal and far reaching. He controls the mightiest Military the world has ever seen. In a flick of finger, he can wipe out half the world if he and he alone decided to launch. He can direct a Thousand Gun ships with Gatling guns hanging down from the side of Apache Helicopters and destroy vast armies in minutes. He can unleash the power of a Thousand ICBM missals and destroy an entire battlefield of Tanks coming face to fac

What is the Justice Department responsible for?

The Justice Department is also responsible for reviewing the conduct of local law enforcement as directed by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

What is the job of the Justice Department?

Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the many offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Justice Department.

Who follows the President in the succession act?

Per the Succession Act of 1947, as amended, the Attorney General follows the Vice-President, Speaker of the House, President pro tempore of the Senate, Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense and comes before the Postmaster General in the Presidential Line of Succession.

Does the President have the authority to enforce laws?

No. The attorney general enforces the laws that she has authority over. She does this with investigations, direction of her staff, lawsuits and criminal prosecutions, etc. The President has a much greater amount of authority. He is the attorney general's boss. He chooses the attorney general. He can remove the attorney general. United States Attorney General

How many employees does the Attorney General have?

The office works on criminal, civil and consumer protection cases and has 830 employees in offices across the state, according to the latest figures provided by the attorney general’s office. More than half of those employees work on criminal cases.

What does the Attorney General do?

The attorney general’s office investigates crimes or schemes that span multiple counties. It also works with federal investigators on cases that span multiple states.

What did Preate feel about being a district attorney?

While Preate talked highly of being a district attorney, he felt that leadership experience was attainable from many places.

How old do you have to be to become an attorney general in Pennsylvania?

To become attorney general, you have to be able to practice law in Pennsylvania, be at least 30 years old and have lived in Pennsylvania for the past seven years (exceptions for politicians and public employees). Of the five candidates, there are two politicians and three with extensive experience as prosecutors.

What is the Attorney General's Office looking into?

In addition to investigating criminal operations, the attorney general’s office looks into scams targeting seniors, violations of the state’s clean air and water laws and evaluates whether mergers break antitrust laws. On April 26, voters in both parties will have a choice for attorney general. Do the voters prefer a candidate with political ...

Can the attorney general supersede a district attorney?

The attorney general’s office can also supersede a local district attorney if they can prove that the DA did not pursue a case he or she should have. The office is considering if they want to intervene in the case of a February Philadelphia bar fight that may have involved Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams declined to prosecute the case.

Who has the final word in a case?

Major cases and important decisions get pushed up the chain of command for the attorney general to have the final word.

What is the responsibility of the Attorney General?

These efforts include narcotics investigations as well as many other criminal investigations that cross enforcement areas. Managing the data associated with these investigations is also the responsibility of the attorney general’s office.

What is the job of an attorney general?

The attorney general is the chief legal representative for the state and serves as general counsel for most of the state’s government agencies. Each state’s attorney general manages all legal representation of the state in civil and criminal matters on a state and federal level. Most attorneys general manage specific assistance programs ...

Who is the head of the state's legal office?

R. Kimball. The State's Attorney General is the head of the state's legal office and is responsible for enforcing the law. A state’s attorney general is responsible for enforcing the law in the state where he or she was elected.

Is the Attorney General responsible for the state penal system?

These cases might be criminal or civil, depending upon the issue in the suit. In certain states, the state’s attorney general is responsible for representing the state penal system in an appeal to a federal court. The attorney general himself or herself cannot be present in court for each of these incidences, but a member ...

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

What is the job of a state attorney general?

Each state's attorney general is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the laws, as well as the ability to pass new legislation. The state attorney general also has the higher purpose of protecting the people of the state and their interests. Attorney general duties include providing consumer ...

How many times does the Attorney General meet with the Attorney General?

The attorney general of each state also attends meetings where all the state attorneys convene, such as those of the National Association of Attorneys General, usually two to three times each year. They discuss issues relevant to all the attorneys general and listen to speakers talk about selected topics.

How often do attorneys general meet?

The attorney general of each state also attends meetings where all the state attorneys convene, such as those of the National Association of Attorneys General, usually two to three times each year. They discuss issues relevant to all the attorneys general and listen to speakers talk about selected topics. AGs may also serve as officers of this and other legal organizations and on various committees established to accomplish specific goals.

Why do you need a bio for an attorney general?

Or if they are appointed to the job, they need an outstanding bio in order to be noticed for the appointment. The job of state attorney general isn't like jobs in private business, where employees receive performance reviews that may lead to a salary raise.

How long does it take to get a law degree?

Then, prospective lawyers take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and apply to law schools. Finishing law school generally takes three years. Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not.

How long can an AG serve?

Many states set limits on how many years their AG can serve, with the norm being a maximum of eight years. Only Virginia does not set a limit on how long their AG can serve.

How many states have an AG?

Some states have minimum age requirements for their AGs, while others do not. In 43 states, the AG is elected by popular vote. In the other seven states, the AG is appointed by the state government.

Overview

Selection

Defense of the state in federal lawsuits

See also

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