what does california's attorney general do?

by Baron Mante 9 min read

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 California Attorney General Office do?

The Attorney General is the state's top lawyer and law enforcement official, protecting and serving the people and interests of California through a broad range of duties. The Attorney General's responsibilities include safeguarding Californians from harm and promoting community safety, preserving California's spectacular natural resources, enforcing civil rights …

What is an attorneys general and what do they do?

In the State Assembly, Attorney General Bonta enacted nation-leading reforms to inject more justice and fairness into government and institutions. As the People's Attorney, he sees seeking accountability from those who abuse their power and harm others as one of the most important functions of the job.

Who is California’s new Attorney General?

The California Constitution establishes the Attorney General as the state's chief law officer, responsible for ensuring that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced. The Attorney General is vested with broad powers and carries out these important responsibilities through the California Department of Justice.

Does the Attorney General of California represent individual consumers?

Mar 25, 2021 · What power does the attorney general’s office have? In addition to being a springboard to higher office — alumni include Vice President Harris and former Gov. Jerry Brown — the job is broad.

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What powers does the California attorney general have?

The attorney general may personally prosecute any case that would normally be handled by a district or city attorney and represents the state in all cases before the California Supreme Court. Additionally, the attorney general is responsible for issuing formal legal advice to state agencies and officers.

What are the duties and responsibilities 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

Who does the California attorney general report to?

the California Department of JusticeThe California attorney general carries out the responsibilities of the office through the California Department of Justice. The department employs over 1,100 attorneys and 3,700 non-attorney employees.

What power 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.

What is the difference between Attorney General and Solicitor General?

The attorney general is usually a highly respected senior advocate of the court, and is appointed by the ruling government. ... The solicitor general is the second law officer of the state after the attorney general.Jan 14, 2006

What is the difference between chief justice and Attorney General?

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.Feb 20, 2020

How do I file a complaint with the Attorney General Office?

You can also request a complaint form by calling 1.800. 382.5516 or 317.232. 6330....Consumer Complaint Forms:Online Consumer Complaint Form.Fillable Consumer Complaint Form.Printable Consumer Complaint Form.QUEJA DEL CONSUMIDOR.

How is a US Attorney General hired?

A U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE: BASIC FACTS U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve terms of four years or at the President's discretion.

How do I contact Rob Bonta?

For service on the Attorney General:Office of the Attorney General.455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 11000.San Francisco, CA 94102-7004.Phone: (415) 510-4400.

Who reports to the US attorney general?

President of the United StatesUnited States Attorney GeneralMember ofCabinet National Security CouncilReports toPresident of the United StatesSeatRobert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building Washington, D.C.AppointerPresident of the United States with United States Senate advice and consent13 more rows

Is FBI under DOJ?

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. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.

Who is the DOJ now?

Merrick B. GarlandMeet the Attorney General Attorney General Merrick B. Garland was sworn in as the 86th Attorney General of the United States on March 11, 2021.4 days ago

What are the duties of an attorney general?

According to the state Constitution, the Code of Civil Procedure, and the Government Code, the attorney general: 1 As the state's chief law officer, ensures that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced. 2 Heads the Department of Justice, which is responsible for providing state legal services and support for local law enforcement. 3 Acts as the chief counsel in state litigation. 4 Oversees law enforcement agencies, including district attorneys and sheriffs.

What is the OAG?

oag .ca .gov. The attorney general of California is the state attorney general of the Government of California. The officer's duty is to ensure that "the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced" ( Constitution of California, Article V, Section 13).

How long is the term of the California Attorney General?

The California attorney general is elected to a four-year term, with a maximum of two terms. The election is held at the same statewide election as the governor, lieutenant governor, controller, secretary of state, treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, and insurance commissioner .

Where is the California Attorney General's office?

The California attorney general's main office in Sacramento is housed in this building. According to the state Constitution, the Code of Civil Procedure, and the Government Code, the attorney general: As the state's chief law officer, ensures that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced.

Who will be the next attorney general in 2021?

On March 24, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he would be appointing Rob Bonta as attorney general to succeed Xavier Becerra, who resigned the position to become Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden.

What is the California Department of Justice?

The California Constitution establishes the Attorney General as the state's chief law officer, responsible for ensuring that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced.

What is diversity in the workplace?

Diversity is defined as the combination of characteristics that make each person unique and valuable. A commitment to diversity means creating a work environment that respects the differences, talents, and abilities of all employees and fosters a culture where everyone has the opportunity to excel.

Who is Karthick Ramakrishnan?

Karthick Ramakrishnan, a professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside, who has worked with Mr. Bonta on the state’s Commission on A.P.I.A. Affairs, told me that as a lawmaker, Mr. Bonta “has been really strong on immigrant rights.”.

Why was Becerra criticized?

But he was also criticized for failing to follow through on promises to hold the police accountable for misconduct.

What is the Rose River Memorial?

One is the Rose River Memorial, which is part of a traveling exhibit that will eventually become part of a larger display in Washington. The exhibit at Christ Cathedral and sponsored by the OC Autism Foundation is made up of 4,600 felt roses symbolizing the deaths of Orange County residents from Covid-19.

Is Oakland a guaranteed income city?

Oakland is piloting a guaranteed income program to combat poverty in the city. Mayor Libby Schaaf announced that 600 low-income families of color, chosen at random, will soon get $500 a month for 18 months. The program follows similar experiments in California and around the country. [ The Oaklandside]

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 role of the Attorney General of California?

The Attorney General's role in legislative matters is limited to making recommendations to the California Legislature regarding needed changes in law and to enforcing the laws the Legislature enacts. You may wish to share your concerns with your representatives in the California Legislature.

How to complain about a California attorney?

Your complaint about a California attorney should be directed to the State Bar. You may contact the Bar as follows: Telephone: (213) 765-1000 (outside of CA) or (800) 843-9053 (toll free) Your complaint about a California judge should be directed to the Commission on Judicial Performance.

Where does unclaimed property come from?

The unclaimed property typically stems from bank accounts, dividends, uncashed checks, matured or terminated insurance policies or certificates of deposit. If you want to find out if California is holding money or property for you, please contact: Office of the Controller. Division of Collections.

What is the Commission on Judicial Performance?

The Commission on Judicial Performance is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges. You may contact the Commission as follows: Commission on Judicial Performance. 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14400.

Who is responsible for investigating a crime?

After investigating the crime, the local law enforcement authorities may forward the case to the county district attorney's office for prosecution, if appropriate.

What is a business statement?

Ask for a business statement. A business statement should describe the daily practices of the company. It should provide general information on the company, such as the number of years in business, its locations, the owners and a description of its organizational structure.

What are the privacy laws in California?

The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) gives consumers more control over the personal information that businesses collect about them and the CCPA regulations provide guidance on how to implement the law. This landmark law secures new privacy rights for California consumers, including: 1 The right to know about the personal information a business collects about them and how it is used and shared; 2 The right to delete personal information collected from them (with some exceptions); 3 The right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information; and 4 The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights.

What is the CCPA law?

This landmark law secures new privacy rights for California consumers, including: The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights . Businesses are required to give consumers certain notices e xplaining their privacy practices. The CCPA applies to many businesses, including data brokers.

Does California have CCPA?

Only California residents have rights under the CCPA. A California resident is a natural person (as opposed to a corporation or other business entity) who resides in California, even if the person is temporarily outside of the state.

What is a data broker in California?

Another California law, Civil Code section 1798.99.80, defines a data broker as “a business that knowingly collects and sells to third parties the personal information of a consumer with whom the business does not have a direct relationship.” This law exempts certain businesses that are regulated by other laws from this definition. Exempted businesses include consumer reporting agencies (commonly known as credit bureaus) and certain financial institutions and insurance companies.

What is CCPA in business?

The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights. Businesses are required to give consumers certain notices e xplaining their privacy practices. The CCPA applies to many businesses, including data brokers.

How long do you have to wait to sell your personal information?

Businesses must wait at least 12 months before asking you to opt back in to the sale of your personal information. 2.

Which credit reporting agencies can still collect credit information?

Credit reporting agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion can still collect and disclose your credit information, subject to regulation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Learn more about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act here. Learn more about how to check and fix your credit report here.

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Overview

The attorney general of California is the state attorney general of the Government of California. The officer's duty is to ensure that "the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced" (Constitution of California, Article V, Section 13). The California attorney general carries out the responsibilities of the office through the California Department of Justice. The department employs over 1,…

Duties

According to the state Constitution, the Code of Civil Procedure, and the Government Code, the attorney general:
• As the state's chief law officer, ensures that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced.
• Heads the Department of Justice, which is responsible for providing state legal services and support for local law enforce…

History

Although the office of attorney general dates to the admission of California to the Union, the office in its modern form dates to Proposition 4 of 1934, sponsored by Alameda County District Attorney Earl Warrenas one of four initiatives he sponsored to substantially reform law enforcement and the judiciary. Previously, the attorney general lacked jurisdiction over matters in the jurisdiction of locally elected district attorneys and sheriffs. Warren went on to become attor…

Diversity

• Stanley Mosk was the first adherent of Judaism to hold the office.
• George Deukmejian was the first Armenian American to hold the office.
• Kamala Harris was the first woman, the first Asian American, and the first African American to hold the office.

List of attorneys general of California

Major other offices held
• Xavier Becerra (2017–2021) – 25th Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–present)
• Jerry Brown (2007–2011) – 34th and 39th Governor of California (1975–1983; 2011–2019)
• Pat Brown (1951–1959) – 32nd Governor of California (1959–1967)

External links

• Official website
• California Attorney General articles at ABA Journal
• News and Commentary at FindLaw