Job Description of an Attorney General
The title attorney general often describes the chief law enforcement officer in government, whether it be on the federal, state or local level. The attorney general also acts as the country's representative in legal matters and as the lead legal counsel for his government. A law degree is required to hold the job of attorney general.
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History
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The post of attorney general was first created at the federal level in 1789. The attorney general also acts as the head of the U.S. Justice Department. While the president selects an attorney general with the confirmation from the U.S. Senate, the post of state attorney general is chosen in four different ways. Forty-three states elect its attorney general. The attorney general is chosen by the governor in five states--Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wyoming. In Maine, the attorney general is selected by its Legislature. In Tennessee, the state's Supreme Court picks the attorney general.
The Job
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At the federal level, the attorney general often gives advice and opinions to the president and other federal departments. The attorney general also manages what is considered one of the world's largest law offices and the central agency for enforcement of federal laws. Because state laws differ, the state attorney general takes on various jobs.
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State Attorney General
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The attorney general positions in some states are similar to the responsibilities of the Ohio attorney general. The Ohio attorney general is the lawyer for the state and all its agencies and departments. The attorney general defends the state and its agency in the case of lawsuits against it. The position is also responsible for collecting taxes, fines and other money owed the state. The attorney general also renders opinions on the state's constitution and initiates lawsuits on behalf of the state. The attorney general has authority in the areas of consumer protection, charities, organized crime and antitrust action.
Manager
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The attorney general must also hire lawyers to fill assistant attorney general positions. Most states operate satellite offices in its largest cities. Some attorney general offices also hire assistants to work with specific government agencies. For example, the Arizona attorney general office hires an assistant attorney general for its Child and Family Protection division and juvenile courts. In Illinois, the attorney general must fill positions for three main offices in Chicago, Carbondale and the state capital of Springfield, and regional offices in Urbana, Rockford, Quincy and Belleville.
U.S. Territories
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The attorney general in U.S. territories, such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have similar responsibilities as a stateside attorney general.
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References
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