Definition

1. Noun:
   • The principal legal officer who represents a national or state government in legal proceedings and serves as the head of the country's or state's justice or law department. This is the primary definition, referring to the specific high-ranking government office and the person who holds it. In the United States federal government, the Attorney General is the head of the U.S. Department of Justice and a member of the President's Cabinet.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Attorney General issued new guidelines for federal prosecutors.
  • She was confirmed by the Senate to serve as Attorney General.
  • The state Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the corporation.

Advanced Usage

• The title is often capitalized ("Attorney General") when referring to a specific person holding the office, similar to other official titles like President or Secretary of State.
• The plural form is "Attorneys General" or, less formally, "Attorney Generals," with "Attorneys General" being the traditional and more common plural in formal contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Attorney General's Office: Refers to the department or administrative body headed by the Attorney General.
  • A statement was released by the Attorney General's Office.
• Deputy Attorney General: The second-highest-ranking official in a justice department, directly below the Attorney General.
• Solicitor General: In some jurisdictions (like the U.S. federal government), a high-ranking law officer who represents the government before appellate courts, typically subordinate to the Attorney General.

Synonyms

• Chief Law Officer
• Justice Minister (common title in many other countries)
• Minister of Justice (common title in many other countries)

Related Phrases

• Acting Attorney General: A person temporarily performing the duties of the Attorney General when the position is vacant or the official is absent.
  • The Deputy Attorney General served as Acting Attorney General until a permanent appointment was made.

Noun

1. the position of the head of the Justice Department and the chief law enforcement officer of the United States
   • the post of Attorney General was created in 1789
2. the person who holds the position of secretary of the Justice Department
   • Edmund Randolph was the first Attorney General, appointed by President Washington
3. the chief law officer of a country or state