what is the role of the state attorney general?

What does a state Attorney General actually do?

The role of a state attorney general is to counsel state government agencies and legislatures, and represent the public interest in their state.

What is the job of a state Attorney General?

The Role of State Attorneys General State Attorneys General, the chief legal officers of their jurisdictions, have enormous power and responsibility. Their work affects the daily lives of the citizens of their states, the businesses they regulate, and the state governments they serve.

What is the state Attorney General in charge of?

State Attorneys 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. Select your state to connect to your state attorney general's website.

Who does a state attorney general answer to?

Aug 21, 2018 · Attorney general duties include providing consumer protections from fraud, scams and dangerous products, people and situations, protection of the state's resources by upholding state and federal...

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 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 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 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.

James E. Tierney

James E. Tierney is the former Attorney General of Maine and a Lecturer at Harvard Law School where he teaches courses on the role of state attorneys general while directing the Harvard Attorney General clinic. https://hls.harvard.edu/faculty/directory/10888/Tierney

Introduction

The roots of the Office of State Attorney General run deep in American jurisprudence. All 13 American colonies had an Attorney General and today all 50 States and the District of Columbia have opted to provide legal services through an Office of State Attorney General.