Cyber and Technology
Through civil and criminal investigative and enforcement authority, advocacy, and outreach to the public, America’s attorneys general are working individually and collaboratively to address the numerous and complicated issues that cyberspace and emerging technologies pose to individuals and society at-large. Areas of Interest Attorneys General have criminal and civil jurisdiction in several areas related to cyber and emerging technologies. The articles below explore just a few of the many areas of…
Powers and Duties
In most states, an attorney general’s power and authority come from the common law (custom and judicial precedent) rather than statutes. Under common law precedent, attorneys general have the authority to represent, defend, and enforce the legal interests of both the state itself and of the public. The jurisdiction’s constitution and statutes also establish the…
Veterans and Military
Active military personnel, their families, and veterans are unfortunately often targeted by scam artists and unscrupulous businesses who try to take advantage of the military consumers. Servicemembers are targeted for many reasons including their stable income, inexperience in financial matters, and the desire to solve their own problems, some out of fear that the problems may jeopardize their security clearance and careers. …
Tobacco
Tobacco emerged as an attorney general issue in the 1990s, when several attorneys general filed lawsuits seeking reimbursement from tobacco companies for money spent treating illnesses caused by smoking. In 1998, they reached a historic agreement with those tobacco companies, resulting in the largest settlement in U.S. history, the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Learn more…
Civil Law
The attorney general holds a unique position in state government. Although in most states the attorney general does not act as the local prosecutor, the attorney general, as the chief legal officer, is in charge of all civil legal business for the state. As the chief legal officer of the state, commonwealth, or territory, the…
Consumer Protection
Attorneys general are a leading consumer protection force in the country, generally receiving their authority from state consumer protection laws giving the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state or territory. Some federal statutes also give attorneys general jurisdiction to enforce federal consumer protection laws. Additional consumer protection authority is based on the common law. Attorneys general serve the public in a…
Criminal Law
The role of attorneys general with respect to the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses varies in each state and territory, ranging from complete criminal jurisdiction to no criminal jurisdiction. Regardless of responsibility, most attorneys general have a part in forming criminal justice policy and drafting criminal legislation. Although there are seven types of criminal…
Disaster Preparedness and Response
As chief legal officers of their states, attorneys general have numerous responsibilities during emergency situations and face many challenges before, during, and after disasters. Whether responding to mass shootings, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, cyberattacks, or any other emergency, attorneys general are regularly called upon to react in the heat of the chaotic moment, managing the many…
Elder Justice
Attorneys general play a significant role in keeping the most vulnerable members of our society safe, including older adults who are often targeted by scammers and other bad actors. Scams and Fraud Elder Abuse The National Council on Aging estimates that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elder abuse. Elder abuse can include physical abuse,…
Ethics
The public expects and deserves the highest level of professional conduct from the government lawyers who represent their interests. Government attorneys are subject to professional rules that govern all attorneys, as well as constitutional, statutory, and regulatory requirements that protect the public’s trust. Government attorneys are, like all lawyers, required to follow the rules of…
