President-elect Donald Trump has shocked many together with his nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz for Legal professional Common this Wednesday.
Gaetz’s nomination to the position — sometimes held by extra seasoned politicians with substantial authorized expertise — has sparked severe considerations in regards to the 42-year-old’s {qualifications}. Moreover, the Florida politician has been a controversial determine, having confronted a years-long Justice Division investigation that started in 2019 into allegations of intercourse trafficking and obstruction of justice.
Because the state of affairs evolves, right here’s the whole lot it is advisable to know in regards to the position, the following steps following the nomination, and extra.
What Is the U.S. Legal professional Common?
The U.S. Legal professional Common is the pinnacle of the Division of Justice (DOJ) and serves because the chief regulation enforcement officer and authorized advisor to the president and the chief department. The Legal professional Common is accountable for overseeing the complete U.S. authorized system, together with businesses such because the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Marshals Service.
The AG represents the federal government in authorized disputes and, in some circumstances, could personally argue circumstances earlier than the Supreme Court docket. Moreover, the Legal professional Common units priorities for federal prosecutors nationwide and ensures that federal regulation is enforced persistently throughout the nation.
How Is the U.S. Legal professional Common Appointed?
The U.S. Legal professional Common is nominated by the sitting president. Whereas the nominee doesn’t must be a lawyer, most appointees traditionally have intensive authorized expertise, typically with backgrounds in regulation enforcement, personal follow, or public service roles.
As soon as the president nominates a person, the nomination is distributed to the U.S. Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee sometimes holds hearings to query the nominee and assess their {qualifications}. This course of consists of reviewing the nominee’s skilled historical past, authorized views, and skill to steer the Division of Justice (DOJ).
After the committee hearings, the nomination is introduced earlier than the total Senate for a vote. A easy majority (51 votes) is required for affirmation. If the Senate approves the nomination, the person is formally appointed as Legal professional Common.
How Lengthy Does a U.S. Legal professional Common Maintain Workplace?
The U.S. Legal professional Common serves on the discretion of the president and holds the place till they resign, are changed, or the president leaves workplace. There isn’t any fastened time period, however the Legal professional Common sometimes serves in the course of the president’s administration. Nevertheless, the sitting president can substitute the AG at any time, and the appointment should be confirmed by the Senate.
Who Is the Present U.S. Legal professional Common?
Merrick Garland is the present U.S. Legal professional Common, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The previous AGs over the past 10 years embrace:
- William Barr (2019–2021)
Appointed by Trump, Barr served as AG throughout the closing years of Trump’s presidency. - Matthew Whitaker (2018–2019)
Appointed by Trump as Performing Legal professional Common after Jeff Classes‘ resignation. Whitaker served as appearing AG till Barr’s affirmation. - Jeff Classes (2017–2018)
Appointed by Trump, Classes resigned beneath stress in 2018, largely because of tensions over his recusal from the Russia investigation. - Loretta Lynch (2015–2017)
Appointed by Barack Obama, Lynch served as AG throughout Obama’s second time period. - Eric Holder (2009–2015)
Appointed by Obama, Holder was the primary African American Legal professional Common and served all through Obama’s first time period.
