The attorney general is the chief legal officer of a state, providing legal guidance to government agencies and legislatures. Furthermore, they serve as advocates for the public interest.
According to the Justice Department, eighty-two people have held the office of attorney general. Each is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
1. New York
In New York, the attorney general serves as a chief legal officer who represents the state in various legal disputes. They are also accountable for upholding civil rights regulations and combatting corruption.
In New York State Constitutional elections, the Attorney General is elected and serves a four-year term. During this period, they advise and defend the executive branch of government in legal disputes.
Letitia James, the current attorney general of New York state and former Public Advocate of New York City from 2013-2018, has extensive public service experience. As the first woman to hold statewide office in this state, she is renowned for her advocacy on behalf of women’s rights – particularly reproductive health care access.
Over the past year, AG James has spearheaded numerous significant legal victories, particularly in healthcare and data privacy. She joined other states to fight Trump Administration efforts to undermine protections under the Affordable Care Act and sued pharmaceutical companies over practices that threaten New Yorkers’ access to affordable health care.
On a number of fronts, she has continued to advocate for the rights of workers across the state, particularly those employed in the rapidly developing technology sector. Furthermore, her office has taken an active role in protecting the environment and has joined other states in pressing federal agencies to take stronger stances against climate change.
In addition to prosecuting crimes, the attorney general has the authority to seek restitution and damages if a company engages in persistent fraud; she can even dissolve companies that violate laws or rules. Furthermore, she can subpoena witnesses and documents if she believes there has been an infringement of New York law by a company.
2. California
California is a vast and diverse place with plenty to offer. It may be one of the most urbanized states in America, yet it still boasts stunning natural attractions like national parks. Furthermore, its vibrant Hispanic heritage and progressive politics set it apart as an exceptional state within America.
The California Attorney General is the chief law officer of the State of California and has broad authority to uphold and enforce the law. A member of the executive branch, he is appointed by Governor to this position.
He serves as legal counsel to state government, defends both the State of California and its agencies when sued, and issues legal opinions upon request. Furthermore, he serves as an ex-officio member on certain state committees and commissions.
Since his appointment, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has prioritized protecting communities from pollution and water contamination. To this end, he established the Environmental Justice Bureau within the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute violations of CEQA, particularly in underserved areas.
As a member of the California Legislature, Becerra introduced SB 977 which would give the Attorney General more authority to review mergers and acquisitions involving health care facilities. This bill authorizes him to bring civil suits against hospital mergers that harm public interest interests.
The California Attorney General’s office is an essential element in California’s democracy and serves as a key pillar of the justice system. Not only do they enforce the law, but they are also accountable for promoting economic prosperity, equal opportunity and tolerance throughout the state. Furthermore, their work helps safeguard California’s human, natural and financial resources for current and future generations.
3. Texas
In 1836, the office of Attorney General was created by executive ordinance and later elected. It serves to uphold and defend the laws and Constitution of the state, represent it in litigation, and approve public bond issues.
The Texas Attorney General serves as legal counsel to all boards and agencies of the state government; issues legal opinions upon request by Governor, heads of agencies, other officials and commissions; sits as an ex-officio member on state committees and commissions; and defends challenges to state laws as well as suits against both agencies and individual employees of the state.
It also investigates public corruption, human trafficking, money laundering, mortgage fraud and election violations. Sworn Texas peace officers (state police) conduct these investigations along with a Law Enforcement Division which handles cybercrime.
Though the Attorney General’s Office plays an integral role in Texas law enforcement, it lacks primary prosecutorial authority over criminal cases; instead, it defers them to county or district attorneys. Furthermore, there is a solicitor general position within the AGSO which handles appeals before the United States Supreme Court, Texas Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Attorney General Ken Paxton is the current officeholder, having held this post since January 5, 2015. His office has investigated racial bias in voting but so far hasn’t initiated any prosecutions.
The office also handles legal challenges to EPA regulations on air quality, water pollution and climate change. In one case, the state filed a brief in federal court asserting that the agency’s “crusade to regulate greenhouse gases at any cost and at breakneck speed has created an environment of regulatory and economic uncertainty at precisely the wrong moment.”
4. Washington
Attorneys general serve as counselors to state government agencies and legislatures, representing the public interest. Their duties include upholding the rule of law, upholding the U.S. Constitution, and working with a variety of advocacy groups.
Washington’s current attorney general, Bob Ferguson ’95, has been in the spotlight since January 30 when he filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order on immigration and refugees. This suit is supported by Amazon and Expedia’s declarations regarding its detrimental effects on their businesses and employees.
In addition to representing the State of Washington in court, the Attorney General advises and assists other state officials on legal matters. At the request of designated public officials, he issues formal written opinions on constitutional or legal questions. Furthermore, when county prosecutors (or in rare instances, even the Governor) refer jurisdiction of a criminal case to him, he investigates and prosecutes those accused of crimes.
The attorney general is empowered to oversee all litigation in the public interest, from strategizing on strategy and settlement decisions to appeals. With this power, they ensure that proceedings in court are conducted ethically and legally, as well as that state officials or staff act legally and morally in their official capacities.
The attorney general has many responsibilities and powers, but is most often recognized for their work on pressing legal matters that affect society. These include collaboration with legislatures and agencies, consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, criminal justice reform, as well as safeguarding vulnerable populations.
5. Florida
Florida is comprised of twenty judicial circuits, each with its own elected State Attorney. Each State Attorney has broad discretion in prosecuting criminal cases and represents the State in all civil matters that arise within their circuit. Furthermore, they can issue formal legal opinions upon request from public officials.
The elected Attorney General is accountable for all legal affairs in the state of Florida, such as protecting consumers from fraudulence, upholding antitrust laws, taking on drug traffickers and gangs, representing prosecution in criminal appeals and providing formal legal opinions at public officials’ requests. Furthermore, they head the Department of Legal Affairs which ensures Florida laws are adhered to and enforced.
Ashley Moody, a Republican, is currently the attorney general of Florida and an experienced litigator and judge. With extensive legal experience under her belt, Moody knows what it takes to succeed in today’s high-stakes legal environment.
As Florida’s chief legal officer, she must balance her role as chief prosecutor with her larger mission of protecting Florida citizens from injustice. During her first term as attorney general, she has made headlines for her efforts to reform immigration laws in Florida and sign on to lawsuits that challenge President Trump’s policies.
In 2016, she caused a stir by declaring she would not seek the death penalty, an announcement which she later changed. Additionally, she joined a Texas lawsuit challenging President Obama’s healthcare overhaul.
In her campaign to become Florida’s next attorney general, Ayala is challenging the hyperpoliticians of her predecessor Pam Bondi and the Florida GOP. As a progressive, she is focused on preventing corruption and upholding the independence of the attorney general’s office.