Solicitor General of the United States facts for kids
Quick facts for kids United States Solicitor General |
|
|---|---|
Flag of the United States Solicitor General
|
|
|
Incumbent
Jeff Wall since July 3, 2020 |
|
| Department of Justice Office of the Solicitor General |
|
| Reports to | The Attorney General |
| Appointer | The President
with Senate advice and consent
|
| Constituting instrument | 28 U.S.C. § 505 |
| Formation | October 1870 Prior to this date, the Attorney General exercised most of the duties now performed by the Solicitor General. |
| First holder | Benjamin H. Bristow |
| Website | Office of the Solicitor General |
The United States Solicitor General is a very important lawyer who works for the U.S. Department of Justice. This person is the fourth-highest-ranking official in the department. Their main job is to represent the U.S. government in front of the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Solicitor General decides what legal arguments the United States will use in the Supreme Court. They are in charge of and handle cases where the government is involved. They also file special legal papers called amicus curiae briefs. These are filed in cases where the government is not a direct party but has a strong interest in the legal outcome.
The office of the Solicitor General argues for the government in almost every case where the United States is a party. They also argue in most cases where the government has filed an amicus brief.
Contents
What Does the Solicitor General Do?
The Solicitor General is often called the "Tenth Justice" because of their important role in the Supreme Court. This person helps the Supreme Court understand the government's views on different legal issues.
Representing the Government in Court
The main duty of the Solicitor General is to argue cases for the U.S. government before the Supreme Court. This means they stand in front of the nine Supreme Court Justices and explain why the government's side is correct. They answer questions from the Justices and try to persuade them to agree with the government's legal position.
Deciding Legal Positions
Before a case goes to the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General decides the official legal stance the United States will take. This is a big responsibility because their decision can affect laws and policies across the country. They work closely with other lawyers in the Department of Justice to prepare these arguments.
Filing Amicus Curiae Briefs
Sometimes, the U.S. government is not directly involved in a court case, but the outcome of that case could still affect the country. In these situations, the Solicitor General can file an amicus curiae brief. Amicus curiae means "friend of the court." These briefs offer the government's expert opinion and legal arguments to help the Supreme Court make a decision. It's like offering helpful advice to the judges.
History of the Office
The position of Solicitor General was created in October 1870. Before this time, the Attorney General handled most of the duties that the Solicitor General now performs. The creation of this separate role helped to focus on the important task of representing the government in the nation's highest court.
Who Appoints the Solicitor General?
The President chooses the person who will become the Solicitor General. However, this choice must be approved by the Senate. This process is called "advice and consent." It ensures that the person chosen is qualified and has the support of a part of the U.S. government.
Images for kids
-
Organization of the office of the Solicitor General
See also
In Spanish: Procurador general de los Estados Unidos para niños
