What is an attorney general?

An Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer to the government. The United States Attorney General is a Cabinet member and the head of the Department of Justice. Each state also has its own Attorney General. Attorneys General are either elected or appointed to their position. Job duties include providing legal counsel and representing the government in legal matters. They are also responsible for overseeing the enforcement of laws and prosecuting violators as the head of a Department of Justice. Departments of Justice typically include different divisions, for instance, criminal, civil, and law enforcement divisions. Many positions exist working under an Attorney General at the state and federal Departments of Justice, including attorneys, investigators, researchers, law enforcement officers, and paralegals. Support roles are also available, for example, in information technology and office administration.