Attorney Generals (in Dutch: Advocaat-generaal) are often seen as representing the public interest in civil cases and have significant sway with state agencies and officials.
They conduct investigations and pursue criminal prosecutions as needed, as well as being involved in policy matters like harm-reduction strategies for public health purposes and economic justice issues.
How many attorney generals are there?
Attorney generals serve as legal advisors to state agencies and legislative bodies, prosecuting any violations of state laws as well as representing their state in lawsuits. Attorney generals frequently identify specific law enforcement priorities with extra resources dedicated to them.
Eric Holder is currently the 82nd United States Attorney General, appointed to his position by President Barack Obama. Prior to being chosen as AG, Holder served as deputy AG under Janet Reno during the Clinton Administration.
Griffin Bell was a Democrat who served as the 38th Attorney General. A veteran of World War II and graduate of Harvard law school, Bell resigned his post due to Watergate scandal involvement and returned to private practice in Atlanta until 2009 when kidney failure finally caused his death. Michael Mukasey (Republican), was then chosen as his replacement and served until George W. Bush took office; additionally serving as federal judge as well as being nominated as Secretary of Defense by Ronald Reagan.
How do attorney generals get into office?
The attorney general is an official member of the United States Cabinet and must be nominated by President of the United States and confirmed by Senate. Not only are they responsible for running Department of Justice operations but they also represent United States in legal matters.
At a state level, an attorney general serves as the principal legal representative. Either directly or through deputy attorneys general, this individual represents their state in civil and criminal litigation it is involved with; investigates violations of state law; initiates civil or criminal actions to enforce state laws against violators; prepare legal opinions for Governors and heads of State departments.
In many States and Territories, attorney general elections are decided by popular vote directly, though often receive less media and voter attention than elections for Congress or governorships.
How do attorney generals get out of office?
Attorney Generals serve as chief legal officers of their states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia; providing counsel to government agencies and legislatures while upholding public interest representation. To learn more about this important position, check out The People’s Lawyer podcast from the National Association of Attorneys General or visit AG Actions database.
Presidents may fire AGs, yet no sitting president has ever done so. There have been instances when AGs resigned under pressure.
William French Smith served as Attorney General during both the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, graduating from Yale University and the University of Chicago law school before serving in World War II in the Navy. During his term in office as Attorney General he issued the first set of AG investigative guidelines on domestic security matters; after leaving office he resumed teaching until his death in 2000.
How do attorney generals get paid?
Attorneys general can either be compensated through salary or an annual stipend, with state attorneys general being separated into title-based pay grades with increasing pay grades as they advance – similar to what occurs under the federal government’s General Schedule (GS) system. Attorneys living in high cost of living areas often receive additional locality pay as an increase on top of their base pay.
New York’s Attorney General office serves many roles and responsibilities that span from enforcing state laws, prosecuting criminal cases, investigating allegations of corruption and fraud, advocating for social justice, protecting economic and environmental resources and informing the public on safety and security matters. They also provide formal or informal written advice to Governor Cuomo, Legislature members, state officials as well as public bodies.
Eric H. Holder Jr, is currently Attorney General. A Democrat by affiliation, Holder previously worked as deputy attorney general under Janet Reno during President Bill Clinton’s administration before graduating from Columbia Law School in 1976.