Attorney general facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

An attorney general (often called an AG) is the main legal advisor to the government in many countries, especially those that follow a legal system called common law. Think of them as the government's top lawyer!

In some places, attorneys general also help with law enforcement and making sure laws are followed. They might even be in charge of all legal matters for the government. The exact duties can change depending on the country and even on the person holding the job.

Sometimes, an attorney general's job is similar to a Minister of Justice in other countries. This means they handle all sorts of legal issues for the government.

The term "attorney general" originally meant someone who had the power to represent another person in all legal matters. In common law, anyone who represents the government, especially in criminal cases, was called an attorney. Today, the term is usually used for the official, permanent legal advisor to the government or a royal family.

Countries with different legal systems (called civil law systems) have similar roles. These might be called "public prosecutor general," "procurators," or "advocates general." Even if they use "attorney general" in English, their roles can be quite different because of their unique history.

Quick facts for kids Attorney General

Chief legal advisor to the government

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 took over in the 11th century.

The earliest known use of the phrase was in 1292. It meant "all general attorneys may levy fines and make legal documents." So, it was a legal term that came into English from French.

You might notice that the plural form is "attorneys general" (with the "s" on "attorneys"). This is because "general" here is an adjective describing the attorney, like in "major general."

Attorneys General in Different Countries

Attorneys general in countries that use common law (or a mix of common and other laws) have similar backgrounds and roles. Let's look at some examples!

Australia's Attorney General

In Australia, the Attorney-General is the chief legal officer for the government and is part of the Cabinet. This person is in charge of legal matters, national security, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (which is like their national intelligence agency).

The Attorney-General helps choose people for judge positions and approves legal cases. While a special office usually handles daily prosecutions, the Attorney-General still has the final say. They can even stop a public prosecution if needed.

Each Australian state also has its own attorney general with similar duties for state laws.

Canada's Attorney General

In Canada, the Attorney General of Canada is a separate title held by the Minister of Justice. This person is the chief legal officer for the government.

There's also a separate job called the Minister of Public Safety. This person manages federal law enforcement groups like the police, prisons, and security agencies.

Each Canadian province also has its own attorney general or minister of justice.

Cyprus's Attorney General

The Attorney General of Cyprus is an independent official. They lead the state's Legal Service and advise the Government of Cyprus on legal matters. This role is very important, ranking high in the government after the President and the Parliament Speaker. This position comes from the time when the British ruled Cyprus, and it stayed after Cyprus became independent in 1960.

Fiji's Attorney General

In Fiji, the attorney general's job is to give important legal advice and support to the government. This includes writing laws, providing legal help, advising the President on mercy cases, and even handling film censorship.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice

Before 1997, the head legal advisor in Hong Kong was called the attorney-general. Now, they are called the Secretary for Justice. This person advises the Hong Kong Government and leads the Department of Justice.

The Secretary for Justice is helped by five other law officers who handle different areas like legal policy, public prosecutions, civil law, international law, and drafting new laws.

India's Attorney General

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

Ireland's Attorney General

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

The Attorney General's Office includes different teams:

Advisory Counsel: These lawyers advise the Attorney General.
Parliamentary Counsel: These lawyers write new laws.
Chief State Solicitor's Office: These lawyers represent the Attorney General and the State in court.

Most criminal cases in Ireland are handled by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who works independently from the attorney general.

Israel's Attorney General

The Attorney General of Israel leads public prosecutions, advises the government on legal issues, and represents the government in courts. They also help prepare new laws for the government.

Jamaica's Attorney General

The position of Attorney General has existed in Jamaica for a long time. The Attorney General is a key legal figure in the country.

Kenya's Attorney General

In Kenya, the Attorney General is the main legal advisor 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.

Malaysia's Attorney General

In Malaysia, the attorney-general (also called Peguam Negara) is the main legal advisor to the Government. They are also the chief public prosecutor in the country. This means they have the power to start, continue, or stop any legal case for an offense.

New Zealand's Attorney General

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

Philippines' Solicitor General

In the Philippines, the office of Attorney General existed until 1932. Now, the Solicitor General is the main legal officer and defender for the Philippine Government. This office represents the Philippines and its officials in court, especially in higher courts.

Singapore's Attorney General

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

Sri Lanka's Attorney General

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

United Kingdom's Attorneys General

The UK has several attorneys general.

England and Wales

The Attorney General for England and Wales is the chief legal officer for the government in England and Wales. They advise the government and represent them in court. They also act for the public interest and help solve issues between government departments.

While the Attorney General oversees criminal prosecutions, they are not personally involved in every case. Some cases need their special permission to start. The Crown Prosecution Service handles most criminal prosecutions.

Scotland

In Scotland, the Lord Advocate is the chief legal advisor to the Scottish Government. The United Kingdom government is advised on Scots law by the Advocate General for Scotland.

United States' Attorneys General

In the federal government of the United States, the Attorney General is a member of the Cabinet and leads the Department of Justice. This person is 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 attorneys general with similar duties. Most state attorneys general are chosen by public vote, unlike the U.S. Attorney General, who is appointed by the President.

In almost all U.S. areas, the attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer. You would usually address them as "Mister" or "Madam Attorney General."

Similar Roles in Other Legal Systems

Countries that don't use common law often have similar legal roles. They might use different names, but their jobs are somewhat alike.

Brazil

Brazil has an Attorney General of the Union and a Prosecutor General of the Republic, both important legal roles.

Germany

Germany has a Public Prosecutor General who is a key legal figure.

Indonesia

Indonesia has an Attorney General of Indonesia who serves as a chief legal officer.

Japan

Japan has a Public Prosecutors Office that handles legal matters for the state.

Mexico

Mexico has an Attorney General who is a central legal advisor.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, there are two types of attorneys general. One type acts as a public prosecutor in criminal cases in appellate courts. The other type advises the Supreme Court independently. These advisors give opinions on cases, which the Supreme Court can choose to follow or not.

Norway

Norway has an Office of the Attorney General of Norway that advises the government.

Russia

Russia has a Prosecutor General of Russia who is a very important legal official.