What Does the Attorney General Do?

You’ve probably heard of the attorney general, but if you’re like many people you might not know what this role is all about. That’s why today’s blog post is focused on answering the commonly asked question, “What does the attorney general do?”

If you hear someone say “attorney general,” there are actually multiple different people he or she may be referring to. We have an attorney general on the federal level, as well as other attorney generals at state, commonwealth, and territory levels. 

The Federal Attorney General

The federal attorney general is chosen by the U.S. president and then confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Since this is not an elected role, but rather a person chosen by those in elected roles, there is not a set amount of time that one serves as an attorney general. Interestingly, one U.S. attorney general served for 37 years and was nicknamed the “eternal general.” The president can remove the attorney general and choose a replacement at any time. He or she can also be impeached and tried by Congress. 

The federal attorney general’s job is to head the Department of Justice. He or she also provides legal counsel to the oval office as a member of the president’s cabinet. Other duties of the U.S. attorney general include:

  • Enforcing federal laws and prosecuting violators
  • Interpreting the meaning of federal laws 
  • Heading federal incarceration facilities
  • Representing the country in the Supreme Court in very important cases
  • And much more!

State Attorneys General

State attorneys general serve a very similar role to the federal attorney general, but on, of course, a state level. The Florida attorney general is chosen by election, while other state attorney generals may be selected by their governors or legislature.

An important part of the state attorney’s role is the Consumer Protection Division. This part of the state attorney general’s office is responsible for handling violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). If your business is accused of a scam or a deceitful practice, this is who you’ll be dealing with. It is extremely important that you stay on the right side of the law so that you are not accused of FDUTPA violations!

Who can help if I’m dealing with the Florida attorney general and the Consumer Protection Division?

If you’ve been accused of a FDUTPA violation or want guidance on how you can steer clear of finding yourself in this situation, Cove Law can help. Contact our team today!

Andrew Cove
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