Editing United States Attorney General (section)

== Duties and responsibilities ==
The attorney general's duties and responsibilities as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government include overseeing the [[United States Department of Justice]], enforcing [[Federal law (United States)|federal laws]], and providing both formal and informal legal advice and opinions to the president of the United States, the cabinet, and the heads of executive departments and agencies. The attorney general represents the federal government in legal matters and supervises the administration and operation of the Department of Justice, which includes the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]], the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]], the [[Office of Justice Programs]], [[United States Attorney|U.S. Attorneys]], and the [[United States Marshals Service]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-06 |title=Department of Justice {{!}} Office of the Attorney General {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/doj/organization-mission-and-functions-manual-office-attorney-general |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref>

Additionally, the attorney general advises the president of the United States on appointments to federal judicial positions and Department of Justice roles, including U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals. While the attorney general may represent the United States in the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] and other courts, this is typically handled by the solicitor general.<ref>{{Cite web |title=28 U.S. Code § 518 - Conduct and argument of cases |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/28/518 |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=28 U.S. Code § 519 - Supervision of litigation |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/28/519 |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref> The attorney general also performs or supervises other duties as required by statute or executive order.

The attorney general manages legal issues involving public safety, civil rights, and national security. The attorney general also communicates legal concerns to [[United States Congress|Congress]] and ensures compliance with federal laws across states. The attorney general's role occasionally evolves through congressional legislation. For example, in 2001, the [[Patriot Act|PATRIOT Act]] expanded the department's surveillance and investigative authority in matters of terrorism and national security, significantly impacting the scope of the attorney general’s responsibilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-06 |title=USA PATRIOT Act {{!}} Facts, History, Acronym, & Controversy {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/USA-PATRIOT-Act?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> Additional duties include supervising federal penitentiaries and administering the [[United States Federal Witness Protection Program]].