Attorney Generals Role and Current Status in the US
Each state and territory in the US appoints an attorney general who serves as both people’s lawyer and chief law enforcement officer.
Attorney General (AG) positions are of utmost significance and power, and vary depending on which state it serves. Discover more about each AG by perusing this state-by-state Attorney General Actions Database.
The role of the attorney general
The roles and responsibilities of attorney generals vary considerably across jurisdictions. Their primary duty, however, remains prosecuting criminal offenses on behalf of the state. Furthermore, AGs play an integral role in shaping policy development and writing legislation; additionally they often oversee and control state law enforcement agencies.
Attorneys General also represent the state directly or through deputy attorneys general in civil and criminal litigation where it is involved; furthermore, they prepare legal opinions for Governor, legislators, and heads of state departments.
State Attorneys General have played an increasingly prominent role in reforming their criminal justice systems and addressing national issues like opioid addiction, environmental protection, consumer rights issues and antitrust violations. Their actions form part of an emerging movement to safeguard their citizens; truly acting collectively for public protection! They truly serve as People’s Lawyers!
The role of the deputy attorney general
The deputy attorney general serves as an agent of law enforcement within the Department of Justice and frequently fills in for Attorney General when needed. They also provide overall direction and supervision of all organizational units within the Department.
At the state level, an AG appointed by their governor serves as its legal representative and chief legal advisor. AGs prosecute crimes and enforce consumer laws within their state while also taking action against predatory landlords and companies who pollute or pollute the environment, offering advice to state agencies, providing services such as environmental cleanup services to communities affected by pollution or contamination and much more.
State AGs help maintain order within both federal and state government by filing lawsuits when an agency oversteps its boundaries or when laws are being broken. They serve as initial contacts between various agencies involved, or take the lead themselves when conducting investigations themselves, while also drafting legal opinions for elected and appointed state officials. Furthermore, The National Association of Attorneys General maintains an extensive database containing detailed information regarding state litigation and AG activities.
The role of the solicitor general
The Solicitor General serves as an agent of the Department of Justice who represents its interests before the Supreme Court. When requested by a case’s justices for his views on an issue (known as “Call for Views of Solicitor General”, or CVSG), he/she explains the government position before all nine justices.
Additionally, the solicitor general prepares briefs on behalf of all agencies that are participating in cases before the Supreme Court and handles certain appeals in federal courts of appeals; in such cases he decides whether to appear as amicus curiae on behalf of non-government parties.
Elizabeth Prelogar, Colorado’s current solicitor general and attorney-advocate before the United States Supreme Court, discusses her work as USSG and litigation before the Court in this virtual event. In conversation are Dan Schweitzer from NAAGC’s Center for Supreme Court Advocacy as well as Lindsay See, solicitor general of West Virginia.
The role of the assistant attorney general
Assistant attorney generals are senior legal professionals who assist the attorney general with state or federal legal cases, such as conducting research, offering advice and appearing in court. Their roles require conducting extensive research as well as having strong communication skills – they usually work with a team of attorneys.
No suit may be brought against the United States without first receiving approval by law and only an attorney from the Department of Justice acting under direction from the Attorney General may initiate it on its behalf. This statutory provision mirrors what was found in 1870 Act and seeks to eliminate costly outside counsel when an attorney within the Department can provide comparable services.
Assistant attorneys general typically earn more than litigation associates; both require similar qualifications but tend to earn different earnings potentials. Litigation associates tend to hold bachelor’s degrees, with 0.9% less likelihood of attaining master’s or doctorate degrees or doctorates respectively than attorneys general; who must possess both a law degree as well as be licensed in their state to practice law.
