United States Assistant Attorney General facts for kids
An assistant attorney general is a very important leader in the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). This department is like the main law office for the U.S. government. Many of its different parts, called divisions and offices, are led by an assistant attorney general.
The president of the United States chooses these leaders. But before they can start, the Senate must agree to the choice. This process is called "advice and consent."
Assistant attorneys general help make sure that laws are followed fairly across the country. They work on many different types of legal issues.
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What They Do: Leading Divisions
Assistant attorneys general lead various important divisions and offices within the Department of Justice. Each division focuses on a specific area of law.
Key Divisions They Lead
Here are some of the main parts of the Department of Justice led by an assistant attorney general:
- Antitrust Division: This group makes sure that businesses compete fairly. They stop companies from forming monopolies or working together to control prices. This helps keep things fair for consumers.
- Civil Division: This division handles lawsuits for or against the U.S. government. They deal with many different types of legal cases.
- Civil Rights Division: This team works to protect the civil rights of all Americans. They make sure everyone is treated equally under the law. This includes rights like voting and fair housing.
- Criminal Division: This division helps fight crime across the country. They work on complex criminal cases, often involving multiple states or international issues.
- Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD): This group protects our environment and natural resources. They enforce laws about clean air, water, and wildlife.
- Justice Management Division (JMD): This division helps manage the Department of Justice itself. They handle things like budgets, human resources, and technology.
- National Security Division: This team works to protect the U.S. from threats to its national security. They deal with terrorism and spying.
- Office of Justice Programs (OJP): This office provides funding and support for state and local justice programs. They help improve the justice system at all levels.
- Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA): This office works with Congress. They help explain the Department of Justice's work to lawmakers.
- Office of Legal Counsel (OLC): This office gives legal advice to the President and other parts of the government. They help interpret laws.
- Office of Legal Policy (OLP): This office helps develop new legal policies for the Department of Justice. They think about how laws can be improved.
- Tax Division: This group handles legal cases related to taxes. They make sure that tax laws are followed.
Who They Report To
These important leaders report to even higher officials within the Department of Justice. Some report to the Deputy Attorney General. Others report to the Associate Attorney General. This structure helps keep the department organized.
A Look at History: Past Leaders
Many talented people have served as assistant attorneys general throughout history. These roles are crucial for the U.S. legal system. They help ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
Notable Assistant Attorneys General
Over the years, many individuals have held these positions. For example, Mabel Walker Willebrandt was an assistant attorney general in the 1920s. She was one of the first women to hold such a high-ranking legal position. Later, William H. Rehnquist and Antonin Scalia served in the Office of Legal Counsel before becoming Supreme Court Justices. These examples show the importance of this role in the U.S. legal system.
