why is the attorney general not the secretary of justice

by Prof. Chase Emard Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 10 min read

You can't be the secretary of a department that doesn't exist. In addition, the attorney general's role looked way different at its start. It wasn't meant to be a secretary position; instead, the DOJ's website explains that the AG job began as a part-time position to represent in court.Mar 10, 2021

What is the role of the Attorney General?

Dec 24, 2020 · The position of U.S. Attorney General was established in 1789, while the U.S. Department of Justice was established in 1870, nearly a century later. For awhile after the ratification of the Constitution, the role of the Attorney General was to advise the executive and legislative branches (equally) on legal matters, not be the person in charge ...

Should the Attorney General be part of the President's Cabinet?

Which department head is not a secretary? Each of the department heads has the title Secretary, like Secretary of Defense or Secretary of Education, except for the head of the Justice Department who is called the Attorney General. Cabinet members are chosen by the president and the confirmed by the Senate.

Why was it so hard to appoint an attorney general?

Jul 07, 2017 · He was elected attorney general of Virginia in 1776, served until 1782 and served as Governor of Virginia from 1786-1788. On September 26, 1789, Randolph was appointed the first Attorney General of the United States by President Washington. In 1794 he was appointed Secretary of State. He served in this position until 1795.

What is the role of the Secretary for Justice?

When Congress created the executive departments, it did not specify who should or should not be members of the president's cabinet, and it could not predict the level of influence held by any one individual. In the early years, the attorney general did not have cabinet rank but served as counsel to those who did.

Why isn't the Attorney General called the Secretary of Justice?

It was established in 1789 and was originally a part time position. The Department of Justice was created much later, in 1870. It made sense to have the existing Attorney General assume the responsibility of heading this department and they decided not to change the title of the officer.

Is the Secretary of Justice same as Attorney General?

The attorney general is a statutory member of the Cabinet of the United States....United States Attorney GeneralFlag of the United States Attorney GeneralIncumbent Merrick Garland since March 11, 2021United States Department of JusticeStyleMr. Attorney General (informal) The Honorable (formal)13 more rows

Is the Attorney General in charge of the Justice Department?

The Department of Justice – or “DOJ” – is the agency responsible for enforcing the federal law of the United States. 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.

Who is the current secretary of justice?

Merrick GarlandU.S. Department of JusticeDepartment of JusticeSecretary:Merrick GarlandYear created:1789Official website:Justice.gov1 more row

Is the FBI under the Department of Justice?

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.

Which department head is not a secretary?

Each of the department heads has the title Secretary, like Secretary of Defense or Secretary of Education, except for the head of the Justice Department who is called the Attorney General. Cabinet members are chosen by the president and the confirmed by the Senate.

Who was the last US attorney general?

Jeff SessionsList of U.S. attorneys generalAttorney GeneralYears of serviceMerrick Garland2021-PresentJeff Sessions2017-2018Loretta Lynch2015-2017Eric Holder2009-201582 more rows

Who is the attorney general in Michigan?

Dana Nessel (Democratic Party)Michigan / Attorney generalDana Michelle Nessel is an American lawyer and politician who is the 54th Attorney General of Michigan. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Wikipedia

Who is the attorney general in UK?

Hon Suella Braverman QCThe Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP Suella Braverman was appointed Attorney General on 13 February 2020. She was previously Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union from January to November 2018. Suella was elected as the Conservative MP for Fareham in May 2015.

Who is the Attorney General of India current?

K. K. VenugopalThe 15th and current Attorney General is K. K. Venugopal. He was reappointed by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2020. He began his service on 30 June 2017....List of Attorneys General for India.Attorney GeneralTermIncumbent Prime MinisterK. K. Venugopal1 July 2017 – (incumbent)Narendra Modi14 more rows

What branch of government is Department of Justice?

executive departmentThe United States Department of Justice (DOJ), also known as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department of the United States government tasked with the enforcement of federal law and administration of justice in the United States.

Is the Supreme Court part of the Justice Department?

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land and the only part of the federal judiciary specifically required by the Constitution. The Constitution does not stipulate the number of Supreme Court Justices; the number is set instead by Congress.