attorney general

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The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer of the federal or a state government. The plural form is attorneys general. The U.S. Attorney General oversees the Department of Justice, represents the United States in litigation, and advises the President and heads of federal executive departments on legal matters. The U.S. Attorney General is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

State attorneys general represent their states in litigation, oversee state prosecutors, and advise members of their states' executive branches on legal matters. State attorneys general may be nominated or elected. 

See also: Executive Power

[Last updated in November of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]