The Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer and top law enforcement official of a government jurisdiction, whether at the federal or state level. Their core duties include:
- Acting as the principal legal advisor to the government, including the president or state officials, providing formal and informal legal opinions and advice
- Representing the government in legal matters before courts, including civil and criminal cases, and sometimes appearing personally in high-profile cases such as before the Supreme Court
- Supervising and directing the administration and operation of the justice department and its various agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Attorneys at the federal level, or state law enforcement and legal divisions at the state level
- Enforcing federal or state laws, including criminal prosecutions, civil suits, consumer protection, environmental laws, and civil rights enforcement
- Proposing legislation and advising on legal aspects of government bills and policies
- Managing programs related to victim compensation, child support enforcement, and public safety
- Protecting public interests, including safeguarding natural resources, consumer rights, and constitutional laws
- Recommending appointments to judicial and departmental positions
In summary, the Attorney General is the government's chief lawyer and law enforcement leader, ensuring legal compliance, representing the public interest, and overseeing justice administration
