United States Department of Justice facts for kids
Seal of the U.S. Department of Justice
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Flag of the U.S. Department of Justice
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_(53840386529).jpg) The Robert F. Kennedy Building is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Justice. (2024) |
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | July 1, 1870 |
| Type | Executive department |
| Jurisdiction | U.S. federal government |
| Headquarters | Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C., United States 38°53′36″N 77°1′30″W / 38.89333°N 77.02500°W |
| Motto | "Qui Pro Domina Justitia Sequitur" (Latin: "Who prosecutes on behalf of justice (or the Lady Justice)") |
| Employees | 113,114 (2019) |
| Annual budget | $37.52 billion (FY 2024) |
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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), often called the Justice Department, is a very important part of the U.S. government. It is a "federal executive department," which means it's a major agency that helps the President run the country. Its main job is to make sure that federal laws are followed and that justice is carried out across the United States.
The Justice Department is led by the U.S. attorney general. This person reports directly to the president of the United States and is a member of the President's top team, called the Cabinet. As of February 4, 2025, Pam Bondi serves as the U.S. Attorney General.
What Does the DOJ Do?
The Department of Justice is home to many of the United States' main law enforcement groups. These groups help keep people safe and make sure laws are followed.
Key Agencies at the DOJ
Some of the well-known agencies that are part of the Justice Department include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): They investigate serious crimes.
- The U.S. Marshals Service: They protect courts and catch fugitives.
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): They deal with crimes involving guns, explosives, and illegal alcohol or tobacco.
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): They work to stop illegal drug use and sales.
- The Federal Bureau of Prisons: They manage federal prisons and care for people who have been convicted of federal crimes.
DOJ's Legal Teams
The Justice Department also has several teams of lawyers. These lawyers represent the U.S. government in court cases. They work on different types of legal issues, such as:
- Criminal cases: Dealing with federal crimes.
- Civil cases: Handling disputes between the government and other groups or people.
- Antitrust cases: Making sure businesses compete fairly.
- Tax cases: Dealing with federal tax laws.
- Civil Rights cases: Protecting people's basic rights.
- Environmental cases: Protecting the environment and natural resources.
- National Security cases: Protecting the country from threats.
- Justice Management: Helping the department run smoothly.
The DOJ also has U.S. Attorneys' Offices in 94 different areas across the country. These local offices handle federal cases in their regions.
A Look at History
The idea for the Department of Justice started way back in 1789. That's when the U.S. Congress created the job of the Attorney General. This person was the main legal advisor to the government.
However, the actual Department of Justice as we know it today was officially created much later. Congress established the department in 1870, during the time when Ulysses S. Grant was President. Since then, it has grown to become a vital part of how the U.S. government works to uphold the law.
See also
- Justice
- Litigation (legal action)
- Punishment
