Attorney generals serve as the premier law enforcement officers for each state. Nomined by the president and approved by Congress, these positions hold enormous power but can also pose great danger.
Eileen Meskill is an Assistant Attorney General and leader of various sections within her office’s Consumer Protection, Health & Education, Infrastructure & Economic Development departments. She has practiced law since 1997.
The number of attorney generals in the United States
The Attorney General of the United States serves as chief law enforcement official for their nation. Established by Congress in 1789 and serving since 1790 as part of their Cabinet. Their appointment must be approved by both presidents, with Senate confirmation required before starting his or her term in office. They are supported by Department of Justice which offers oversight and supervision services.
State attorneys general are important players in public policy discussions as well. They engage in rulemaking processes at federal agencies, inform Congress on key issues, investigate violations or exceed their authority and even sue government entities when necessary.
The Attorney General of the United States serves as President Barack Obama’s top legal advisor, overseeing the Department of Justice and providing legal guidance to executive branch of government.
The number of attorney generals in each state
Each state is home to its own attorney general who serves the public and protects citizens in that state. Attorney general lawyers hold many powers and responsibilities that include prosecuting crimes; overseeing investigations by state agencies; as well as offering legal advice and counsel.
State attorneys general play an essential role in holding government agencies to account by filing lawsuits against those breaking laws or exceeding their authority. As part of their work, state AGs often engage in rulemaking processes as well as participating in legislative or judicial hearings.
Not only do state AGs employ attorneys as part of their Office of the Attorney General (OAG), but they also enlist staff that make up an OAG. A typical OAG typically comprises attorneys, investigators, clerks and other support professionals – an office such as this is best described in this video by former Maine AG Jim Tierney from Leadership Center for AG Studies which conducts original research to support state attorneys general work including providing public education about how their offices impact communities and providing insight.
The number of attorney generals in the District of Columbia
Attorney Generals (AGs) play multiple roles. These include prosecuting criminal cases as well as enforcing laws that protect consumers, tenants, patients and investors and advocating harm-reducing public health strategies. Furthermore, AGs write regulations to supplement their enforcement powers; additionally they act as liaisons between their office and federal governments.
Most AGs in most states are elected by the public; however, some may be appointed or selected by other state bodies. Most AGs serve for four year terms but these vary by state and some even limit how often an AG can serve at once.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is an Oregon Double Duck who attended both college and law school there. Active in both local and national legal associations for lawyers, judges and attorneys general. As New York’s top legal officer she remains committed to ensure all people are treated equally and fairly.
The number of attorney generals in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Department of Justice (DoJ) is an executive branch government entity responsible for administering justice in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Headed by a Secretary of Justice, its structure includes District Attorneys who handle criminal cases as well as divisions for antitrust matters, general civil matters, public integrity (anticorruption) investigations, and federal litigation cases.
State and territory attorneys general and their assistants play an essential role in upholding consumer protection laws, from healthcare to automobiles to privacy. Their investigations often cover topics from healthcare to privacy – they even collaborate on issues like drone regulation or financial fraud investigations!
HeinOnline’s State Attorney General Reports and Opinions collection provides digital access to reports and opinions issued by attorneys general from each state, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands; in addition to official opinions of the Office of Legal Counsel. As a member of Congress, Pierluisi has long advocated for equal rights for American citizens living in Puerto Rico – from making sure its fair treatment under ARRA to fighting for federally funded housing for hurricane victims.
