Attorney General
The attorney-general or attorney-general is the chief legal advisor to the government in systems of government that are based on common law . In some cases, he is also responsible for overseeing law enforcement and general responsibility for internal security . The office partly corresponds to the responsibilities of a minister of the interior , a minister of justice and a public prosecutor , with different weightings in different systems of government .
Original use
Historically, the title of Attorney General in common law was used to refer to anyone who had power of attorney to represent a legal entity in all matters, but in particular for criminal prosecution. Before professional prosecutors were hired, it was customary for the state to take the side in court by an authorized private individual, mostly private lawyers. The authorization was granted by a grand jury convened for this case with a power of attorney known as a bill of indictment . Prosecution by private individuals with individual power of attorney is no longer common today, but is occasionally still used in the form of a special prosecutor or independent counsel .
United States
At the federal level, the Attorney General of the United States is a member of the Cabinet and presides over the Department of Justice . He is appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate . As part of his duties, he exercises control over federal law enforcement agencies and represents the United States formally in court. Actual representation in court hearings is in most cases carried out by the Solicitor General .
The office of Attorney General also exists in the states and includes similar areas of responsibility as its counterpart at the federal level. In most states, the Attorney General is directly elected by the people (for four years); in the rest, he is appointed by the governor , the legislature, or the Supreme Court.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom , the Attorney General is also a member of the Cabinet . However, he is only a participant in the cabinet meeting if necessary and is not Minister of Justice. Until the Office of Justice was established in 2007, the Lord Chancellor was head of the judiciary.
Canada
In Canada , the Attorney General is also a member of the Cabinet . Usually he is also the Minister of Justice.
Namibia
In Namibia , the Attorney-General is a member of the cabinet, but not necessarily a minister at the same time. Its tasks are based on Chapter 9, Article 86 and Article 87 of the Constitution of Namibia . He is the responsible head of the attorney general's office , first legal advisor to the government and the president, and guardian of the constitution.
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone , the Attorney-General is also the Minister of Justice and therefore a member of the cabinet. Charles Margai has held the office since April 16, 2018 .
Web links
- Attorneys General - Who's My AG? . National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG),accessed January 4, 2016(list of US attorneys general with photos).
Individual evidence
- ↑ NAAG | About NAAG. Retrieved January 29, 2019 .
- ^ Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, Chapter 9, Article 87. Republic of Namibia. Retrieved June 21, 2015
- ^ Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice. Retrieved May 8, 2018.