The U.S. Attorney General is both the principal delegate and the administrative director of the U.S. Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) is the Chief Prosecutor of the United States in criminal law cases and represents the United States in civil law cases.
Who is the US Attorney General?
He is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States or the state government, normally operating in an executive branch. The person represents the government in litigation and acts as the principal counsel to government officials and agencies in legal matters.
The US Attorney General is the director of the U.S. Department of Justice and Chief Legal Officer of the federal government. He or she represents the United States in legal matters in general and provides advice and recommendations to the President and other heads of executive departments as needed.
In cases of extraordinary gravity or special significance, the US Attorney General can appear in person before the United States.
Summary: In a nutshell, he is the head of the United States Department of Justice, Chief Prosecutor of the United States Federal Government, and a member of the United States Cabinet.
What does the US Attorney General Do?
The answer, to the question of what does the US Attorney General do? is as follows. As Director of the Department of Justice, the Attorney General is responsible for implementing federal legislation, providing legal advice in federal courts, interpreting the laws by which other executive agencies operate, regulating federal criminal institutions, and investigating violations of federal legislation.
The Attorney General frequently regulates and guides the operations of the U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals in the various judicial districts.
U.S. prosecutors shall prosecute all crimes against the United States and shall prosecute or defend against the Government any civil action, suit or proceeding in respect of which the United States is concerned; U.S. marshals shall enforce all lawful writs, prosecutions, and orders given under the authority of the United States.
Obviously, the responsibilities of the Attorney General are important and far-reaching. The Attorney General shall prosecute cases concerning the government and, if necessary, shall counsel the President and the Chief Executive Officers.
As Chief Justice of the Department of Justice, the Attorney General enforces federal legislation, provides legal guidance in federal courts, interprets the laws regulating executive departments, heads federal prisons and criminal facilities, and investigates possible breaches of federal legislation.
In addition, the US Attorney General can be called upon to represent the United States before the Supreme Court in situations of extraordinary significance. The Attorney General is a member of the Cabinet of the President of the United States.
Prime Duties of US Attorney General:
The duties of US attorney general are of significant importance. State Attorneys General shall ■■■■■■■ both federal and state laws. Since they are sworn to uphold the constitution and laws of the United States, as well as those of the state, they also refuse to support the state in federal cases.
The U.S. Attorney General shall be responsible for the following:
- Representing "the United States in legal matters
- Supervising and directing "the management and operation of the offices, committees, branches, and offices of the department
- Advice and opinions on legal issues, both formal and informal, to the President and the Cabinet and to the heads of the executive departments and agencies of the Government, as provided for by law
- Advising the President on appointments to federal judicial vacancies and vacancies within the Government, like the U.S
- Representing or overseeing “the representation of the Government of the United States of America before the Supreme Court of the United States and all other international and domestic courts in which the United States is a member or has an interest as may be considered appropriate;” and
- Doing or overseeing the ■■■■■■■■■ of "other duties authorized by law or by executive order
What are the qualifications for Attorney General?
State requirements for the Attorney General, whether constitutional or legislative, differ. The most common qualifications include a minimum age, citizenship, birthplace, electoral status, and bar entry. Others forbid the Attorney General from holding several positions.
Some States expressly require these requirements by virtue of their constitution or legislation. Others are less precise and require credentials. States, for example, also require the Attorney General to be an elector. In the absence of a minimum age provision, we know that he or she must be at least 18 years of age, as no state currently requires younger individuals to apply for electoral status.
According to the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), the state constitutions define the Office of the Attorney General in 44 states and the system of selection and length of time in 42 states. The constitutions of 23 states set out unique requirements for office, the most important being minimum age and residence.
The job description of the Attorney General tells us that the Attorney General must be licensed to practice law.
In order to represent the United States in legal matters and/or offer legal advice, the Attorney General must be competent to do so.
In the US, you need to be a licensed attorney to offer legal advice. Although the job description can not specify that the individual must be a licensed attorney, the requirements of the job make it appropriate.
Summary: If we summarize the person who wants to be attorney general must be a lawyer & holds a license to practice law. After appointing as Attorney general his duties should encompass to advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and serve as the “People 's Attorneys” for citizens. Most of them are elected, although a few are appointed by the governor.
What does the US Attorney general investigate?
The US Attorney General investigates and prosecute violations of state law. The Office of the State Attorney General shall include the civil and criminal divisions. The civil division pursues monetary judgments against persons and companies accused of accepting illegal compensation but who have not violated any criminal law.
The Criminal Division investigates persons accused of engaging in criminal activity, including fraud against the state. In certain cases, an investigation that starts as a civil investigation can be referred to as the criminal division if the civil investigation shows evidence of illegal activity.
The types of cases that are usually investigated and prosecuted by this Office are as follows:
- Crimes of which the state is a victim
- Political corruption and corruption of the police
- State-wide cases where the prosecutor has dismissed the prosecution or has sought assistance.
- Cases in which the prosecutor has been disqualified.
- Organized crime, racketeering, money laundering.
What Are Letters from the Attorney General’s Office?
Once state prosecutors have established persons or organizations as targets for civil or criminal investigations, the State Attorney General’s Office can, by letter, meet those targets. The letter tells the aim that it is under investigation by the State authorities.
In addition, further follow-up from the goal may be required. Some letters request a meeting of the target, in which case the government may make its case against the target in an attempt to negotiate a monetary settlement or a plea agreement.
Summary: The Attorney General’s Criminal Division investigates and prosecutes crime in the State. However, felony prosecutions that are local in effect are rarely pursued by the Attorney General. Such investigations are more appropriately investigated by city authorities and residents are advised to submit such investigations to their local police and county attorneys.
US Attorney General Salary:
U.S. Attorney General’s salary /compensation analysis relies on the payment summary details legally received from companies and obscure agents in the United States. Pay data originates from 13,454 legally obtained information from employees, customers, and across a wide variety of time-trade business operations in the past three years. Attorney General’s compensation for implementation is a crucial component of the AD pay package.
This pay meter has been refreshed to integrate information from the COVID-19 impact. Payment rates at the Attorney General’s Office vary from $32,083 per year to $95,093 per year.
Average Attorney General Salary across the U.S.
Salary Range (Percentile)
25th Average 75th
Annual Salary $51,000 $73,700 $95,500
Monthly Salary $4,250 $6,142 $7,958
Weekly Salary $981 $1,417 $1,837
Hourly Salary $25 $35 $46
Summary: US Attorneys formed under the authority of 28 the United States Code 548, Wages, and approved by the Attorney General. Payment for implementation is a vital aspect of the AD pay schedule.
Can the US Attorney general be impeached?
Yes, as per law US AG can be impeached. Article II of the Constitution confers on Congress the right to condemn “the President, the Vice-President and all the civil servants of the United States.” Federal Judges may also be convicted, and this has happened.
The reason it is not actually done is that Cabinet positions are executive branch posts and thus represent the pleasure of the President.
He may fire or ask them to resign. The one indictment dealt with a political problem where President Grant did not wish to fire his War Secretary, William Belknap, who had been involved in some of the corruption schemes that had plagued Grant’s administration.
On many occasions when a member of the cabinet had a potential criminal charge that appeared likely, they were asked to resign. Impeachment has been thrown around these days, and it was supposed to be a long and complicated operation.
The explanation, just because people select a person that most of the existing elite do not like, does not mean that a person is not allowed to do so.
Summary: The prosecution of the attorney general for corruption is just as complicated as it is for the president. With the President, however, elections can also act as tests. There is no analog of that with a member of the Cabinet. The House of Representatives has the sole power of indictment, and the Senate has the sole power of indictment. Yeah, cabinet members and federal judges are subject to arrest.
Who is the Current US Attorney General?
William Pelham Barr is the acting U.S. Attorney General. He’s the 85th US Attorney General. President Donald Trump declared his intention to appoint Barr to the role on 7 December 2018 and was officially nominated on 3 January 2019. It was confirmed by the Senate on 14 February 2019 by a vote of 54-45 and sworn in on the same day.
Barr served as the 77th U.S. Attorney General under former President George H.W. Bush from November 1991 to January 1993. It was unanimously approved by the Senate.
Barr was born in New York City on May 23, 1950. He received a bachelor’s degree in government from Columbia University in 1971 and a master’s degree in government and Chinese studies from Columbia University in 1973. He received a bachelor’s degree in government from Columbia University in 1971 and a master’s degree in government and Chinese studies from Columbia University in 1973.
Barr joined Washington, D.C. in 1978. Barr served as Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice in 1989. In April 1989, he became Deputy Attorney General of the Department of Justice.
Summary: William Barr (born May 23, 1950) has been a U.S. Attorney General since 2019, and previously from 1991 to 1993. He was the 77th U.S. Attorney General during the George H. W. Bush administration from 1991 to 1993 and returned to office as the 85th U.S. Attorney General under the Trump presidency in February 2019.
Historical Timeline of Key Organization Events by US Attorney Generals.
Here are few remarkable events occurred under the supervision of US Attorney Generals;
Creation of “Public” Lands Division: Attorney General Wickersham, by order dated 16 November 1909, created the “Public Lands Division” in response to the need "to properly attend to the enormous and growing volume of business relating to the public lands of the United States and Indian affairs.
Scope of Litigation Assigned to “Public” Lands Division: Attorney General George W. Wickersham in DOJ Circular 122 on December 14, 1909, clarifies the scope of litigation assigned to the Public Lands Division.
Attorney General Proposes Promotion of Division Supervisor to “AAG”: By 1910, the Attorney General noted in his report to the Congress that “the extent, variety, and significance of the work assigned to this Division is so great that the Attorney in Charge should have the rank of Assistant Attorney General, and I propose the creation of that position.”
Board and Lodging $5 a Day: Attorney General J. C. McReynolds in Circular No. 71, 1 May 1913, advises Officers and Employees of the Department of Justice and Those Concerned that."… in compliance with the provisions of the Act providing appropriations for present and contingent expenditures of the Indian Department,… approved on 3 March 1873,… board and lodging shall be charged at a rate not exceeding $5 a day…
ENRD Co-Chairs Presidential Task Force and National Strategy on Combatting Wildlife Trafficking: The Wildlife Trafficking Task Force was formed by Executive Order 13648, signed on 1 July 2013 by President Obama. The Executive Order calls for a national plan to underpin the efforts of the United States. Government to overcome this problem at home and to support international governments in the fight against wildlife trafficking and associated transnational organized crime.
Summary: Out of many remarkable events in the history of US Attorney Generals, the above mentioned are few which hold great significance. These decisions brought noticeable changes in the US citizen’s lives.
How do I contact the Attorney General of the United States?
Messages can be submitted to the Department of Justice, including the Attorney General, using email. Your message will be sent to the responsible Department of Justice for proper handling. Messages can be sent to the Department of Justice, including the Attorney General, using email. Your correspondence will be forwarded to the responsible Department of Justice for proper handling.
Correspondence with the Department, including the Attorney General, can be submitted to:
U.S.— Ministry of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
Washington, DC: 20530-0001
The Department can be contacted by phone at the following address:
Department Feedback Line: 202-353-1555
Department of Justice Switchboard: 202-514-2000
TTY / ASCII / TDD: 800-877-8339 (or the Federal Relay Service) , the components of the Department of Justice can also be approached directly. Find your details on the Component Contact Information page
Summary: You can contact through email, telephone, postal address & by filling the form on the component contact information page. Your concerns will definitely be communicated to the department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are a few most commonly asked questions, which might provide more insight into this topic.
What is the difference between US attorney and attorney general?
Each federal court district of the United States has a U.S. attorney. The U.S. Attorney General, who is the chief law enforcement official of the United States and director of the Department of Justice, is responsible for overseeing U.S. attorneys.
Has the US ever had a female attorney general?
Since 1959, 34 states have named or elected women as attorneys-general. Pennsylvania had a total of three women holding office as attorney general with Anne X.
How do you address a US attorney?
Presidentially appointed U.S. Attorneys are marked with an asterisk (*) after their name and should be referred to as “The Honorable.” All others should be referred to as “Mr.” or “Ms.” Acting U.S. Attorneys are designated by a caret sign(^).
Who investigates the US attorney general?
In the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is accountable to the Attorney General and reports its findings to the U.S. Attorneys all over the world. The intelligence operations of the FBI are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.
How many United States attorneys are there?
Currently, there are 93 U.S. Attorneys: one for each of the 94 federal judicial districts, with the exception of Guam and Northern Marianas, where there is only one U.S.
Who is the boss of the US attorney general?
The president of the US is the ultimate & immediate boss of the US Attorney General.
How many assistant US attorney generals are there?
There are 350 assistant US attorneys (AUSAs) who are there in the United States.
Conclusion:
U.S Attorney General is the chief legal officers of their state or territory. They advise and represent their legislature and state agencies and serve as the “People’s Attorneys” for citizens.
Most of them are elected, although a few are appointed by the governor. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 547, the role of the United States Attorney is: (1) to prosecute criminal cases brought by the federal government; (2) to prosecute or defend civil cases where the United States is a party; and (3) to recover debts owed to the federal government where the administrative agencies are unable to do so.
Attorneys shall be named by the President and confirmed by the Senate and serve a term of four years or at the discretion of the President.