what is the difference between an attorney general and a governor

by Lennie Toy III 9 min read

The vast majority of state attorneys general are elected separately from the governor, which means they're free to make their own decisions about which cases to prosecute. Governors can try to influence them informally—and in most cases, their interests line up—but they have no formal power over the AGs.Apr 2, 2010

How are attorneys general elected?

A state government triplex is a term to describe when one political party holds the following three positions in a state's government: governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. In states where the attorney general or secretary of state are appointed by the governor, Ballotpedia considers the office to be held by the governor's party for the purposes of defining triplexes.

What is the difference between Attorney General and Solicitor General?

May 23, 2021 · The Governor-General may recommend changes to a bill; however, no Governor-General has ever refused to give Royal Assent. Do you bow to the Governor General? No nodding of heads, bowing or curtseying is required. If there is time between the reception and a meal, the Lieutenant Governor will normally circulate among guests.

What is the role of a state Attorney General?

Attorneys general are chosen in four different ways; they are either popularly elected or appointed by the governor, the state legislature, or the state supreme court. The office is elective in 43 states and chosen by a state government organ in seven.

What is the difference between a district attorney and Attorney General?

64 rows · The attorney-general is usually a member of the Federal Cabinet, but need not be. Under the Constitution, they are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and serve at the Governor-General's pleasure. In practice, the attorney-general is a party politician and their tenure is determined by political factors.

Is a state's attorney the same as attorney general?

A lawyer who represents the state in local criminal cases is usually referred to as the "District Attorney," although, depending on your state, these attorneys can go by other titles such as "Prosecuting Attorney" or "County Attorney." The Attorney General of a state typically represents the state in civil cases, but ...

What is the role of the attorney general in the United States government?

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.Oct 8, 2021

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.

Who appoints the U.S. Attorney General?

the president of the United StatesThe attorney general is a statutory member of the Cabinet of the United States. Under the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution, the officeholder is nominated by the president of the United States, then appointed with the advice and consent of the United States Senate.

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.Feb 20, 2020

Who was the last U.S. Attorney General?

List of U.S. attorneys generalAttorney GeneralYears of serviceMerrick Garland2021-PresentLoretta Lynch2015-2017Eric Holder2009-2015Michael B. Mukasey2007-200982 more rows

Who is the head of the Department of Justice?

Attorney General GarlandAs 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.5 days ago

How many US attorney generals are there?

In the order of creation, the position of attorney general was the fourth cabinet level position created by Congress, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorneys general may be impeached and removed from office by Congress. As of 2013 the office of U.S. Attorney General has been held by eighty two people.

How many states have governors and attorney generals from the same party?

In seven states, the governor and the attorney general are not from the same party. This occurs in four states with Republican governors and three states with Democratic governors. In 10 states, the governor and the secretary of state are not from the same party. This occurs in five states with Democratic governors and five states ...

How many states have a Republican governor but not an attorney general?

There are seven states where the governor and the attorney general are not from the same party. In four states there is a Republican serving as governor but not as attorney general. Iowa. Maryland.

What did Beshear say about Bevin?

Beshear filed a civil suit against Bevin on April 11, 2016, which claimed that budget cuts made by Bevin violated the Kentucky Constitution 's distribution of powers article. Bevin had announced a 2 percent budget cut to state colleges and universities on April 1, which took effect immediately.

When did Governor Bevin issue the executive order?

On June 16, 2017 , Governor Bevin issued an updated executive order, which amended several of the provisions in the original order. Attorney General Beshear filed a lawsuit in Franklin Circuit Court against the new order on June 20, 2017 , arguing that it still exceeded the governor's authority.

What is a triplex in state government?

A state government triplex is a term to describe when one political party holds the following three positions in a state's government: governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. In states where the attorney general or secretary of state are appointed by the governor, Ballotpedia considers the office to be held by the governor's party for the purposes of defining triplexes. In states where these officers are not all from the same party, differing political views can bring them into direct conflict with one another. According to Christopher Beam of Slate, disputes between governors and attorneys general are fairly common and usually occur along partisan lines. Based on Ballotpedia's analysis, similar disputes are likely to arise between a governor and secretary of state who belong to opposing parties. Having all three executives of the same political party, then, can lessen these conflicts.

How long is the term of the Colorado Attorney General?

Colorado's attorney general is an statewide elected office. The position is term-limited to two four year terms. Coffman was first elected in 2014. Colorado's governor is also term-limited to two four year terms.

How many states have triplexes?

There are currently triplexes in 38 of the 50 states. As of January 2021, there were seven states where the governor and attorney general were of different parties and 10 states where the governor and secretary of state were of different parties. To see examples of conflicts between governors and attorneys general, click here.

What is the difference between an attorney general and an attorney general?

What is the difference between a US Attorney and Attorney General? An attorney general is the legal counselor liable for most cases by or against a state or the US Government. At the federal level, prosecutors are known as U.S. attorneys. There is a U.S. attorney for each federal court district in the United States. The U.S.

How are attorney generals chosen?

U.S. Attorney General. At the state level, most attorney generals are chosen by popular vote. The US attorney general gives guidance to the lead representative and the state legislature. They aren’t straightforwardly liable for criminal indictments, in spite of the fact that they may offer help with exceptionally prominent cases.

What are the duties of an attorney general?

The basic duties of the Attorney General are to: 1 Represent the United States in legitimate issues. 2 Administer and direct the organization and activity of the workplaces, sheets, divisions, and authorities that contain the Department. 3 Furnish advice and opinions, formal and casual, on legitimate issues to the President and the Cabinet and to the tops of the chief divisions and offices of the legislature, as given by law. 4 Make proposals to the President concerning arrangements to government legal positions and to positions inside the Department, including U.S. Lawyers and U.S. Marshals. 5 Speak to or oversee the portrayal of the United States Government in the Supreme Court of the United States and every other court, unfamiliar and homegrown, in which the United States is a gathering or has an enthusiasm that might be considered fitting. 6 Perform or oversee the exhibition of different obligations needed by statute or Executive Order.

What is the job of the Secretary of State?

Administer and direct the organization and activity of the workplaces, sheets, divisions, and authorities that contain the Department. Furnish advice and opinions, formal and casual, on legitimate issues to the President and the Cabinet and to the tops of the chief divisions and offices of the legislature, as given by law .

What is the Attorney's Office?

The Attorney’s Office speaks to the United States in government cases, which means they emerge from bureaucratic law made by Congress. These cases are heard in government courthouses all through the country. State and local prosecutors (regardless of whether the head prosecutor, province/city investigator, or the state lawyer general’s office), ...

What does "speak to or oversee the portrayal of the United States Government in the Supreme Court of the United States

Speak to or oversee the portrayal of the United States Government in the Supreme Court of the United States and every other court, unfamiliar and homegrown, in which the United States is a gathering or has an enthusiasm that might be considered fitting.

Who is responsible for all criminal cases?

The US attorney general is liable for practically all criminal cases and all respectful prosecution legitimately against the USA. Litigation by or against offices of the US Government is normally not the obligation of the US Attorney General.

What is the difference between Governor General and Governor?

Governor General was the head of all governors of states under East India Company. After the power shifted in the hands of British Crown, Viceroy was appointed, who was the head of colonial India and governed the territory on behalf of British Crown.

Has the Governor General vetoed a bill?

The Constitution sets out some specific tasks for the Governor-General, including: giving Royal Assent to a bill—proposed law—passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Governor-General may recommend changes to a bill; however, no Governor-General has ever refused to give Royal Assent.

Do you bow to the Governor General?

No nodding of heads, bowing or curtseying is required. If there is time between the reception and a meal, the Lieutenant Governor will normally circulate among guests.

How do you address the Prime Minister?

The President, the Chairman of the Parliament and the Prime Minister are addressed as “His/Her Excellency”.

How do you address an MP in a letter in Australia?

Emails and letters to members of a state or territory parliament. In formal correspondence with a member of a state or territory parliament: Open with ‘Dear Ms’ (or ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Mx’, ‘Dr’ and so on). Conclude with ‘Yours faithfully’.

How do you refer to a lord?

Use “Lord” for male members of the House of Lords who hold the title of Baron, Earl, Marquess or Viscount. Use “Lady” for female members of the House of Lords who hold the title of Baroness, Countess, or Lady. For example, say “Lord Williams” or “Lady Jameson.”

How do I write an application to the Member of Parliament?

Politicians who have been or are government ministers will have the title “The Honourable” prefixing their name. For example, Hon A. N. Albanese MP. Start your letter as follows: ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Dr/Ms Last Name’.

What is the job of an attorney general?

The primary job of a state attorney general is to serve as chief legal adviser to the agencies and legislative organs that make up his or her state's government, in addition to the citizens residing within the state. It is this last common aspect of the role, ...

How are Attorney Generals chosen?

Attorneys general are chosen in four different ways; they are either popularly elected or appointed by the governor, the state legislature, or the state supreme court. The office is elective in 43 states and chosen by a state government organ in seven.

What are the criticisms of the Attorney General?

Among the chief criticisms of the office is that state attorneys general have strayed from their traditional defense-based lawyer role to assume a more proactive and political posture, often in ways that overstep the legal authority of the office and/or what would be historically recognized as the limits of institutional etiquette. In some cases, attorneys general look inward to test the bounds of their authority through involvement in state legislative matters, or by refusing to uphold state laws which they find to be in violation of an alternate, overarching ideological code, such as Pennsylvania AG Kathleen Kane 's stated refusal to enforce Pennsylvania's ban on same-sex marriage. Other times, AGs turn outward to reinterpret their function: In recent years, a number of cases have arisen where state attorneys general mounted coordinated efforts to challenge laws passed by the United States Congress or to exert influence over the outcome of pending federal legislation. The most prominent of these cases is the State Attorneys General Against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, which saw 26 Republican AGs team up to instigate a lawsuit against the federal government following Congress' passage of President Obama's health care reform bill.

How many states have no law degree requirements?

Considering the myriad legal responsibilities carried by state attorneys general, it may surprise you to discover that a whopping 19 states have no set statutory or constitutional provisions requiring an individual to hold a law degree, or have a valid license to practice law, in order to serve in the office of attorney general.

How much did 49 AGs settle for?

For instance, the nationwide mortgage crisis that led 49 AGs ( Oklahoma 's Scott Pruitt made an independent deal for his state) to negotiate and ultimately settle for $26 billion with a handful of large U.S. banks over dodgy home foreclosures in the wake of the 2008 market downturn.

How many states have a state resident requirement for an attorney general?

1, Oklahoma, sets the limit at 31. 1, Colorado, sets the limit at 27. 1, Mississippi, sets the limit at 26. State Citizen. 43 states have a formal provision stating an attorney general must be a state resident, while 7 do not have a formal provision. Of the 43 states, 24 specify the number of years and 19 do not.

How many states elect their Attorney General?

Forty-three states publicly elect their attorneys general, reinforcing the office's relationship with, and direct accountability to, the people, in contrast with the Kings Attorneys of the past, whose singular service to their version of governors must have left those being governed wanting.

What is the role of the Attorney General?

Role. The Attorney-General is the minister responsible for legal affairs, national and public security. The Attorney-General also serves as a general legal adviser to the Cabinet, and has carriage of legislation dealing with copyright, human rights and a range of other subjects.

Who was the longest serving Attorney General of Australia?

Billy Hughes was the longest-serving Attorney-General of Australia, serving for thirteen and a half years over four non-consecutive terms; this included six years during his own prime ministership.

What is Statutory Criminal Law?

Statutory criminal law provides that prosecutions for certain offences require the individual consent of the Attorney-General. This is generally for offences whose illegality is of a somewhat controversial nature or where there is perceived to be a significant risk that prosecutions of a political nature may be embarked upon.

Who has the power to issue a nolle prosequi?

The Attorney-General also has the power to issue a nolle prosequi with respect to a case, which authoritatively determines that the state (in whose name prosecutions are brought) does not wish to prosecute the case, so preventing any person from doing so.

Who is the Attorney General of Australia in 2021?

Since 30 March 2021, the Attorney-General has been Senator Michaelia Cash, a Liberal member of the Australian Senate from Western Australia who replaced fellow Western Australian Christian Porter after a historical rape allegation against him became public.

Who has the power to initiate and terminate public prosecutions?

In normal circumstances, the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney-General are exercised by the Director of Public Prosecutions and staff; however, the Attorney-General maintains formal control—including the power to initiate and terminate public prosecutions and take over private prosecutions.

Is the Attorney General a member of the Cabinet?

The Attorney-General is usually a member of the Federal Cabinet, but need not be. Under the Constitution, they are appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and serve at the Governor-General's pleasure. In practice, the Attorney-General is a party politician and their tenure is determined by political factors.

What is an assistant attorney general?

There are roughly 94 such courts, each with their own Geographical Boundaries. By and large they are the “trial lawyers” for the District. An Assistant Attorney General is an employee of the Justice Department who is not limited by geography but is usually limited by subject matter: Civil Rights, Sex trade, gang activity, Anti-Trust. Generally speaking, when you hear from either, it’s time to lawyer up and shut up.

Who is the head of the DOJ?

The Deputy Attorney General (currently Rod Rosenstein) is the second-in-command, and assumes much of the day-to-day operations of DOJ; moreover, as is true currently with the investigation of...

Who does the Attorney General represent?

The Attorney General is an elected state-wide officer who represents the State of California in general legal matters, and the People (which is not the same thing as the state) as a criminal prosecutor.

What is the role of an attorney general?

An Attorney General is a direct legal advisor to the government. Attorney generals have the authority/responsibility for law enforcement or even responsibility for legal affairs generally. Where as an District Attorney is the chief prosecutor for a local government area, leading a team of deputy district attorneys.

What does the Attorney General do in California?

In the latter role, the Attorney General prosecutes some crimes directly, handles appeals from felony convictions won by district attorneys, and handles post-ap. In California, which I think is fairly typical, the district attorney is an elected official who serves as the criminal prosecutor for a county.

What is the job of a state attorney?

They prosecute crimes at the state level, and represent the state in all legal matters.

What is the difference between a district attorney and an attorney general?

A district attorney is usually the chief prosecutor at the county level. An attorney general is the chief lawyer at the state level. At the federal level there is the attorney general of the United States who advises the president. Just below the U.S. attorney general are many U.S. attorneys who handle federal prosecutions.

What is the starting point for a new lawyer?

Normally the district attorney or the state attorney IS the starting point or entry level for a new lawyer. Most jurisdictions divide case loads between felony and misdemeanor. New lawyers are assigned to the misdemeanor division and work their way up. This goes for both prosecutors and public defenders.

What does a district attorney do?

They represent the cases against individuals and groups. A district attorney is a county prosecutor; an attorney general serves an entire state. The U.S. attorney general serves the entire country. In some states, district attorneys also represent the county in civil matters.

What is the difference between the Attorney General and the Solicitor General?

The Attorney General is the chief law officer of the state while the Solicitor General is the Deputy Law officer.

What is the role of the Attorney General?

In the U.S., the Attorney General is also the chief legal adviser to the executive branch of the government. This includes the president, government agencies, departments, and other executive offices. Cases brought against the state or the executive are typically filed in the name of the Attorney General.

What does the Solicitor General represent?

The Solicitor General too represents the government or state in legal actions. In the U.S., the Solicitor General is commonly associated with representing the government or state in federal courtroom proceedings. This means that the Solicitor General represents the Attorney General in court and argues the case on behalf of the state.

Is the Solicitor General the deputy of the Attorney General?

Once again, in most common law jurisdictions, the Solicitor General is typically considered the deputy of the Attorney General or the Assistant to the Attorney General. Thus, in jurisdictions such as the U.S. and U.K., the Solicitor General is the second high-ranking law officer in the country, or rather, the second-in-command after ...

Is the Attorney General more popular than the Solicitor General?

However, the Attorney General is more popular term out of the two. Thus, before proceeding to distinguish the two terms it is important to examine their definitions.