instances where us attorney general has influenced the law

What does the United States Attorney General do?

For example, upon the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch left her position, so then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, who had also tendered her resignation, was asked to stay on to serve as the acting attorney general until the confirmation of the new attorney general Jeff Sessions, who had been nominated for …

Should attorneys general defend state laws?

In the profession of marriage and family therapy, for instance, a state Attorney General has been asked for (and has rendered) opinions on such important questions about the licensing law as: a) may an MFT practice psychotherapy; b) may an MFT diagnose and treat mental disorder; and c) may an MFT construct, administer and interpret ...

Do Attorney Generals enforce independent law en force?

Acting Attorney General Yates gave two reasons for refusing to defend the President’s executive order. First, she considered it unwise. Second, she thought it unlawful. To the extent Sally Yates refused to defend the executive order because she was unconvinced it …

What is the origin of the power of the Attorney General?

Jul 23, 2014 · RAMSEY CLARK, Attorney General June 1967 STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT JOHNSON UPON SIGNING PUBLIC LAW 89-487 ON JULY 4, 1966. The measure I sign today, S. 1160, revises section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act to provide guidelines for the public availability of the records of Federal departments and agencies.

Why is the U.S. Attorney General important?

The United States attorney general (AG) leads the United States Department of Justice, and is the chief lawyer of the federal government of the United States. The attorney general serves as the principal advisor to the president of the United States on all legal matters.

What did Washington's Attorney General do?

William C. Jones was Washington's first elected Attorney General. He litigated four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court during his tenure. Three of the four were concerned with the ability of the new state to establish harbor lines in and around Puget Sound in order to aid the safe expansion of commerce.

What has the Department of Justice accomplished?

Since the beginning of 2009, the Justice Department has thwarted multiple terrorist plots against the United States; convicted and incarcerated scores of individuals on terrorism-related charges; and gleaned critical intelligence from and about terrorists through the criminal justice system.

What power does the U.S. Attorney General 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.

Which congressional act created the office of US Attorney General?

The Judiciary Act of 1789The Judiciary Act of 1789 establishes the Office of the Attorney General. The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the Office of the Attorney General. On September 26, 1789, Edmund Jennings Randolph was appointed the first Attorney General of the United States by President George Washington.

Why was the attorney general created?

The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the Office of the Attorney General (AG) to represent the federal government in cases before the US Supreme Court and to give legal advice to the President or the heads of cabinet-level departments.

How does the Department of Justice impact our lives?

The Department of Justice serves to prevent terrorism and promote the Nation's security consistent with the rule of law; prevent crime, protect the rights of the American people, and enforce federal law; and ensure and support the fair, impartial, efficient, and transparent administration of justice at the federal, ...

What is Eric Holder famous for?

Eric Holder, in full Eric Himpton Holder, Jr., (born January 21, 1951, New York, New York, U.S.), American lawyer who was the first African American to serve as U.S. attorney general (2009–15).Jan 17, 2022

What are the four agencies run by the Department of Justice?

The mission of the Office of the Attorney General is to supervise and direct the administration and operation of the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bureau of Prisons, Office of Justice Programs, ...

How does Attorney General influence executive branch?

The Attorney General is the head of the DOJ and chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters, advises the President and the heads of the executive departments of the government, and occasionally appears in person before the Supreme Court.

What are the duties and responsibilities of the attorney general?

Attorney General Job DutiesEnforcing and representing state laws and regulations in civil and criminal cases.Managing the state's law enforcement agencies; appointing, investigating, or disciplining officers; reviewing their reports; and attending public police functions as representatives of the state.More items...•Oct 27, 2021

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