Attorney General

Attorney General, in the United States and the United Kingdom, the chief law officer of the government. The duties of the attorney general are to advise and represent the government in important legal matters and to initiate and supervise legal proceedings that affect the welfare of the nation.

The office of attorney general dates from the reign (1272-1307) of King Edward I. It developed gradually until the 17th century, when the attorney general became chief legal counsel to the Crown and all departments of state and represented them in court cases. As the position grew in importance, the attorney general was made a government minister and sometimes a member of the cabinet. The office carries with it precedence over all other members of the bar.

In the U.S. the post was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789. The attorney general, who is appointed by the president with the consent of the Senate, is a member of the cabinet. Among the duties of the office are the administration of the Department of Justice, the examination of titles of property acquired by the U.S. for public purposes, the presentation of cases in the courts on behalf of the government, the prosecution of criminal cases involving the government, the direction of the system of federal penitentiaries, and the supervision of special matters involving national defense. The attorney general also provides legal advice to the president and the heads of executive departments. These opinions are not confidential; rather, they are published and provide precedents and guidelines for future action. Serving under the attorney general is the solicitor general, who represents the government in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Each of the states has an official with duties similar to those of the U.S. attorney general. In some, the state official is appointed by the governor and in others the official is popularly elected.