what are the powers of state attorney general

Does each state have an attorney general?

The fourth edition of the most authoritative and complete source about the powers and responsibilities of state attorney general offices. A perfect resource for attorneys. Subjects covered in depth include: Environmental law; Securities Regulation; Disaster Preparedness; Antitrust; State Constitutional Law; Criminal justice; Medicaid fraud; And ...

Who is the current Attorney General?

While varying from one jurisdiction to the next due to statutory and constitutional mandates, the role of attorney general typically includes: 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.

How do you contact Attorney General?

tory or constitutional power of the attorney-general to participate in the enforcement of the criminal law. II. Common Law Power to Conduct Criminal Prosecutions. Although many courts in the United States have agreed that the attorney-general …

Is the US Attorney General elected or appointed?

Jun 30, 2006 · This requirement was added to the constitution in 1974. The constitution does not impose any duties or confer any powers on 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.

What is the role of an Attorney General?

The role of the Attorney General is defined in section 51 of the Constitution of Botswana, as the principal legal adviser to the Government. The Attorney General is also an ex-officio Member of Cabinet, and serves on various policy level committees.

What are the powers of the US Attorney General?

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.

What is the most important duty of state Attorney General?

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.

What authority does the US Attorney General have?

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.

Can states pass laws that go against federal law?

The law that applies to situations where state and federal laws disagree is called the supremacy clause, which is part of article VI of the Constitution [source: FindLaw]. ... Basically, if a federal and state law contradict, then when you're in the state you can follow the state law, but the fed can decide to stop you.

When the state and federal law are at odds Who wins?

With respect to conflicts between state and federal law, the Supremacy Clause establishes a different hierarchy: federal law wins regardless of the order of enactment. But this hierarchy matters only if the two laws do indeed contradict each other, such that applying one would require disregarding the other.

What are the duties of the attorney general check all that apply?

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 does the US attorney general investigate?

AGs investigate and bring actions under their states' respective unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices laws (“UDAP laws”). UDAP laws tend to broadly prohibit “deceptive” or “unconscionable” acts against consumers.

Is there a secretary of state for each state?

Secretary of state is an official in the state governments of 47 of the 50 states of the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and other U.S. possessions. ... In states that have one, the secretary of state is the chief clerk of the state and is often the primary custodian of important state records.

Is the FBI part of the Department of Justice?

The FBI's activities are closely and regularly scrutinized by a variety of entities. ... Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country.

How many statutory responsibilities do US attorneys have?

three statutory responsibilitiesThe United States Attorneys have three statutory responsibilities under Title 28, Section 547 of the United States Code: the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the Federal Government; the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and.Sep 22, 2016

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 power of the attorney general?

General Powers and Duties (CGS § 3-125) The law 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.

When was the Office of Attorney General established?

SUMMARY. The Office of Attorney General was established by the legislature in 1897. The constitution requires a general election for attorney general every four years. This requirement was added to the constitution in 1974. The constitution does not impose any duties or confer any powers on the attorney general.

What does the Attorney General represent?

The attorney general must represent the public interest in the protection of any gifts, legacies, or devises intended for public or charitable purposes . All writs, summonses, or other processes served upon such officers and legislators must be transmitted by them to the attorney general.

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 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.