Attorney General of California Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Attorney General of California
State flag
Seal of the attorney general of California
Incumbent Rob Bonta since April 23, 2021
Government of California Department of Justice
Style	The Honorable
Term length	Four years, two-term limit
Inaugural holder	Edward J. C. Kewen 1849
Formation	California Constitution
Salary	$151,127

The Attorney General of California is a very important legal job in the government of California. This person makes sure that "the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced." This rule comes from the Constitution of California, Article V, Section 13.

The California Attorney General does their work through the California Department of Justice. This department has over 1,100 lawyers. It also has about 3,700 other employees who help with legal tasks.

The Attorney General is chosen by voters for a four-year term. They can serve for a maximum of two terms. The election happens at the same time as the election for the governor and other state leaders. Many past Attorneys General have gone on to hold even higher positions. These include governor, U.S. Senator, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and even vice president of the United States.

On March 24, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new Attorney General. He chose Rob Bonta to take over from Xavier Becerra. Mr. Becerra left the job to become the Secretary of Health and Human Services for President Joe Biden. The California State Legislature had to approve Bonta's appointment. He officially started his job on April 23, 2021.

What the Attorney General Does
History of the Office
Diverse Leaders
Images for kids
See also

What the Attorney General Does

The main office for California's Attorney General is in this building in Sacramento.

The Attorney General has several key responsibilities. These duties are set by the state Constitution and other laws.

They are the state's main law officer. They make sure laws are followed fairly across California.
They lead the Department of Justice. This department gives legal help to the state. It also supports local police forces.
They act as the chief lawyer for the state in court cases.
They watch over other law enforcement groups. This includes district attorneys and sheriffs.

History of the Office

The job of Attorney General started when California became a state. But the office changed a lot in 1934. This was thanks to Proposition 4. Earl Warren, who was a district attorney, helped create this change. He wanted to improve law enforcement and the court system.

Before 1934, the Attorney General did not have power over local district attorneys or sheriffs. Earl Warren became Attorney General in 1938. He then organized the state's law enforcement into different areas.

During World War II, the office under Robert W. Kenny was involved in a difficult time. This was when Japanese Americans were held in special camps. The office has since expressed regret for its role during that period.

Diverse Leaders

The office of Attorney General has been held by many different people.

Stanley Mosk was the first person of the Jewish faith to hold this position.
George Deukmejian was the first Armenian American Attorney General.
Kamala Harris made history in several ways. She was the first woman, the first African American, the first Asian American, and the first West Indian American to hold the office.
Xavier Becerra was the first Latino Attorney General.
Rob Bonta is the first Filipino American to serve in this role.