Attorney General

The Attorney General, as head of the Department of Justice and chief law officer of the Federal Government, represents the United States in legal matters generally and gives advice and opinions to the President and to the heads of the executive departments of the Government when so requested. The Attorney General appears in person to represent the Government in the U.S. Supreme Court in cases of exceptional gravity or importance.

See also Solicitor General

In each state there is also an attorney general, who is the chief law officer of the state. He gives advice and opinions to the governor and to executive and administrative departments or agencies. In England, the principal law officer of the Crown, and head of the bar of England.

@ Private Attorney General

The "private attorney general" concept holds that a successful private party plaintiff is entitled to recovery of his legal expenses, including attorney fees, if he has advanced the policy inherent in public interest legislation on behalf of a significant class of persons. Dasher v. Housing Authority of City of Atlanta, Ga., D.C.Ga., 64 F.R.D. 720, 722.

See also Equal Access to Justice Act

@ Attorney General's bill

An indictment presented to grand jury by leave of court without prior complaint before magistrate and holding for court. Commonwealth v. Wilson, 134 Pa.Super. 222, 4 A.2d 324, 327

@ Attorney General's opinion

An opinion furnished by U.S. Attorney General to President, members of executive department or governmental agencies on request concerning question of law. Also, opinion rendered by state attorney general to Governor or state agencies on request concerning an interpretation of law

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