Attorney General of California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Attorney General of California |
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.jpg) Rob Bonta since April 23, 2021 |
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| Government of California Department of Justice |
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| Style | The Honorable |
| Term length | Four years, two-term limit |
| Inaugural holder | Edward J. C. Kewen 1849 |
| Formation | California Constitution |
| Succession | Fifth |
| Salary | $151,127 |
The Attorney General of California is a very important legal leader for the state of California. This person makes sure that the laws of California are followed fairly and correctly. They lead the California Department of Justice, which is like the state's main law office. This department has many lawyers and other staff who work to keep California safe and just.
The Attorney General is chosen by the people of California in an election. They serve for four years and can be elected up to two times. This election happens at the same time as the election for the Governor and other state leaders. Many people who have been Attorney General have later gone on to hold even higher jobs. These include becoming a governor, a U.S. Senator, a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, or even the vice president of the United States.
Currently, Rob Bonta is the Attorney General of California. He started this job on April 23, 2021. He was chosen by Governor Gavin Newsom after the previous Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, became a Secretary for the U.S. government.
What the Attorney General Does
The Attorney General has several key responsibilities, according to California's laws:
- Chief Law Officer: They are the top legal officer for the state. Their main job is to make sure that all of California's laws are enforced equally and properly.
- Leads the Department of Justice: They are in charge of the California Department of Justice. This department provides legal help to the state and supports local police and sheriffs.
- Chief Lawyer for the State: When the state of California is involved in a lawsuit, the Attorney General acts as its main lawyer.
- Oversees Law Enforcement: They also keep an eye on other law enforcement groups in the state. This includes district attorneys and sheriffs.
History of the Office
The job of Attorney General in California has been around since California became a state. However, the office became much stronger and more organized in 1934. This was thanks to new rules supported by Earl Warren, who was a district attorney at the time. Before these changes, the Attorney General didn't have much power over local law enforcement.
Earl Warren himself became Attorney General in 1938. He helped to organize the state's law enforcement into different areas. During World War II, a past Attorney General, Robert W. Kenny, was involved in the difficult time when Japanese Americans were held in camps. The office has since apologized for its role in this event.
Diverse Leaders
Over the years, many different people have held the position of Attorney General, showing the diversity of California:
- Stanley Mosk was the first person of Jewish faith to hold the office.
- George Deukmejian was the first Armenian American Attorney General.
- Kamala Harris was the first woman, the first African American, the first Asian American, and the first West Indian American to hold the job.
- Xavier Becerra was the first Latino Attorney General.
- Rob Bonta is the first Filipino American to hold this important office.
See also
- Impeachment in California
