Attorney general facts for kids

An Attorney General (often called the AG) is the main legal advisor for a government. Think of them as the government's top lawyer! In many countries, especially those with a legal system based on English law (called common law), the Attorney General also helps with law enforcement and making sure laws are followed.

The exact jobs of an Attorney General can be different from one country to another. Sometimes, they are in charge of all legal matters for the government, similar to a Minister of Justice in other countries.

The name "Attorney General" originally meant anyone who had the power to represent someone else in all legal matters. Over time, it became a special title for the person who represents the government, especially in court cases.

Countries with different legal systems (called civil law) have similar roles. They might call their top legal advisor a "public prosecutor general" or "advocate general." Even if the English translation is "Attorney General," their job might be a bit different because of their unique history.

What Does "Attorney General" Mean?

The words "Attorney General" come from a very old language called Anglo-Norman French. This language was spoken in England after the Normans conquered it in the 11th century. The earliest known use of the phrase was in 1292.

The word "general" in "Attorney General" describes the attorney. It means they handle legal matters in a broad, general way for the government.

Attorneys General Around the World

Many countries that share a legal history with England have an Attorney General. Let's look at some examples:

Australia's Top Lawyer

In Australia, the Attorney-General is the chief law officer for the government and a member of the Cabinet. They are in charge of legal matters, national security, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Each Australian state also has its own Attorney-General.

Their jobs include:

• Helping choose people for judge positions.
• Allowing official court cases to start.
• The Attorney-General can stop a court case if they decide the government doesn't want to continue it.
• They can also say that certain information should not be shared in court for national security reasons.

Canada's Justice Minister

In Canada, the Attorney General of Canada is also the Minister of Justice. This person is the chief law officer for the government. They deal with new laws and how they fit into the justice system.

Canada also has a separate Minister of Public Safety. This minister is in charge of federal law enforcement agencies like the police and prisons.

Each Canadian province also has its own Attorney General or Minister of Justice.

Cyprus's Legal Advisor

The Attorney General of Cyprus is an independent official. They lead the Legal Service of the state and are the main legal advisor to the Government of Cyprus. This role is very important, ranking high in the government structure. It comes from the time when the British ruled Cyprus.

Fiji's Legal Expert

In Fiji, the Attorney General gives important legal advice and support to the government. Their jobs include writing new laws, helping with legal aid, and advising the President on certain decisions.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice

Before 1997, the top legal advisor in Hong Kong was called the Attorney-General. Now, they are called the Secretary for Justice. This person advises the government and leads the Department of Justice.

They are helped by several other legal officers who handle different areas like public prosecutions, civil law, and international law. The Secretary for Justice is appointed by the Chinese government and is a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong.

India's Chief Legal Advisor

The Attorney General for India is the government's chief legal advisor. They are also the main lawyer for the government in the Supreme Court of India. The President of India appoints them based on the Prime Minister's advice.

Ireland's Government Lawyer

The Attorney General of Ireland is the legal advisor to the Government. This makes them the chief law officer of the State.

Their office includes:

• The Attorney General's Office, which gives advice.
• The Office of Parliamentary Counsel, which writes new laws.
• The Chief State Solicitor's Office, which represents the government in legal cases.

Most criminal cases are handled by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who works independently from the Attorney General.

Isle of Man's Crown Appointment

In the Isle of Man, the Attorney General is appointed by the UK government. They are also a member of the Legislative Council, which helps make laws.

Israel's Public Prosecutor

The Attorney General of Israel leads the public prosecution. They advise the government on legal matters and represent the government in courts. They also help prepare new laws.

Jamaica's Attorney General

Jamaica has had an Attorney General for a long time. This person is a key legal figure in the country.

Kenya's Principal Legal Adviser

In Kenya, the Attorney General is the main legal adviser to the Government. They are also a member of Parliament and the Cabinet. Their duties include creating legal policies and making sure Kenya's legal system works well. They are helped by a Solicitor General and other legal officers.

Kiribati's Government Advisor

In Kiribati, the Attorney General is the main legal adviser to the Government. To hold this job, a person must be qualified to work as a lawyer in the High Court of Kiribati.

Malaysia's Principal Legal Adviser

In Malaysia, the Attorney-General is the main legal adviser to the Government. They are also the chief public prosecutor, meaning they decide whether to start, continue, or stop court cases for crimes.

Mauritius's Barrister Minister

In Mauritius, the Attorney-General must be a barrister (a type of lawyer). They are the main legal adviser to the government and also hold a position as a minister. The Attorney-General's Office is responsible for writing laws and checking all contracts the government is involved in.

Nepal's Chief Legal Adviser

In Nepal, the Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Government and its chief public prosecutor. The President appoints the Attorney General based on the Prime Minister's recommendation. To be an Attorney General, a person must be qualified to be a judge of the Supreme Court.

New Zealand's Chief Law Officer

In New Zealand, the Attorney-General is the chief law officer and main legal advisor to the government. They are in charge of the Crown Law Office, which provides legal services to the government. The Attorney-General is usually a member of Parliament and attends Cabinet meetings.

Pakistan's Government Lawyer

The Attorney-General of Pakistan is the main legal adviser to the government and its public prosecutor.

Philippines' Solicitor General

In the Philippines, the role of Attorney General was changed in 1932. Now, the Solicitor General of the Philippines is the main law officer and legal defender for the government. Their office represents the Philippines and its officials in court cases, especially in higher courts.

Samoa's Legal Advisor

In Samoa, the Attorney General is the legal adviser to the government.

Singapore's Government Lawyer

The Attorney-General of Singapore is the legal adviser to the government and its public prosecutor.

Sri Lanka's Chief Legal Adviser

The Attorney-General of Sri Lanka is the chief legal adviser to the Government of Sri Lanka and leads the department that handles public prosecutions.

Tonga's Chief Legal Advisor

The job of Attorney General in Tonga started in 1988. This person is the "Chief Legal Advisor to Government."

Trinidad & Tobago's Legal Administrator

According to the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, the Attorney General is responsible for managing legal affairs in the country. Legal cases for and against the government are handled in the Attorney General's name.

United Kingdom's Law Officers

In the United Kingdom, there are different legal officers for different parts of the country.

England and Wales's Chief Law Officer

The Attorney General for England and Wales is the chief law officer for the government in England and Wales. They advise the government and represent it in court. They also help solve problems between different government departments.

The Attorney General oversees criminal prosecutions, but they are not personally involved in every case. The Crown Prosecution Service handles most criminal cases. The Attorney General can stop prosecutions or appeal cases to higher courts if there's an important legal question.

The Attorney General's helper is called the Solicitor General for England and Wales.

Northern Ireland's Attorney General

A separate Attorney General for Northern Ireland was created in 2010 when policing and justice powers were given to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Scotland's Lord Advocate

Historically, the Lord Advocate was Scotland's version of the Attorney General. Now, the Lord Advocate is an officer of the Scottish Government. The UK government gets advice on Scottish law from the Advocate General for Scotland.

Other UK Attorneys General

There are also Attorneys General for the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy of Lancaster. These are special roles that advise members of the Royal Family.

United States' Top Law Enforcement Officer

In the federal government of the United States, the United States Attorney General is a member of the President's Cabinet. They lead the United States Department of Justice and are the top law enforcement officer and lawyer for the government.

Each U.S. state and territory, as well as Washington, D.C., also has its own State Attorney General. These state attorneys general have similar jobs. Most state attorneys general are chosen by public election, while the U.S. Attorney General is appointed by the President.

Similar Roles in Other Legal Systems

Countries that do not follow the common law system often have similar legal roles. They might use different names, but their jobs are similar to an Attorney General.

Germany's Public Prosecutor General

In Germany, the Public Prosecutor General is a key legal figure.

Iceland's State Attorneys

In Iceland, the state attorney represents the government in civil lawsuits. The state prosecutor represents the government in criminal trials.

Indonesia's Attorney General

Indonesia also has an Attorney General.

Netherlands' Attorneys General

In the Netherlands, there are two types of attorneys-general. One type is the public prosecutor for criminal cases in higher courts. The other type advises the Supreme Court on legal cases. These advisors help the Supreme Court make decisions by giving their expert opinions.

Russia's Prosecutor General

Russia has a Prosecutor General.

Spain's Attorney General

Spain also has an Attorney General.

See also

• Justice minister
• Public prosecutor general (disambiguation)
• Procurator General (disambiguation)