State Attorneys General

The importance of state attorneys general has risen dramatically over the last two decades. State attorneys general impact nearly every aspect of life, making sure state officials follow the law, promoting public safety, ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace, protecting civil rights, enforcing environmental laws, and shaping state legislation and policy, to name just a few. The job originated during the time of the early Medieval courts in England to protect the interests of the Crown. The responsibilities of the office expanded as the English government became more institutionalized, and the concept of the attorney general was transplanted across the Atlantic during colonial times. Today, all fifty states and the District of Columbia provide for an attorney general to be their chief legal officers. Working at the intersection of law and politics, most state attorneys general are elected statewide on a partisan basis. State attorneys general possess broad powers and responsibilities and have significant legal tools and resources to do their work. While their actions sometimes capture national attention, much of the work done by their offices is outside of spotlights. The office is an evolving American legal institution that is continuing to grow in prominence. This course explores the breadth and scope of the work of state attorneys general, as well as the limitations, constraints, and ethical challenges they face. Students will observe commonalities and variations among the states and learn about the network of relationships state attorneys general have with their constituents, municipal and county governments, their state government, the federal government, their peers and other elected officials, the media, and other myriad organizations and advocacy groups. The nature and function of the office will be emphasized, and students with differing political perspectives will feel comfortable exchanging diverse viewpoints in the classroom.