Attorney General Definition and Legal Meaning
On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Attorney General, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.
What is Attorney General?
(n) Attorney General is the Law officer appointed by the Constitutional head of the country, to represent the country on legal issues where the government has an interest or on instances of federal prosecutions. They also advice Government on legal issues related to the constitution. In US, Attorney General oversees the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement activities
History and Meaning of Attorney General
The position of Attorney General dates back to medieval England, where the monarch appointed a legal official to represent the Crown's interests. In the United States, the Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice and serves as the chief legal advisor to the government. The Attorney General is responsible for representing the United States in all legal matters, advising the President and Executive Branch officials on legal issues, and overseeing federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Examples of Attorney General
- The United States Attorney General filed a lawsuit against a major tech company for antitrust violations.
- The Attorney General of a state brought charges against a company for environmental violations.
- The former Attorney General was a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform during her tenure.
- The current Attorney General is participating in negotiations with foreign governments on cybersecurity issues.
Legal Terms Similar to Attorney General
- Solicitor General - the government's top appellate lawyer who represents the U.S. in cases before the Supreme Court.
- State Attorney General - the chief legal officer of a state.
- Lawyer - any person qualified to practice law, including an Attorney General or other government lawyers.