What does the Attorney General of Utah do?
The Utah Constitution delineates the Attorney General’s role as the state’s legal adviser. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing laws and protecting Utah’s citizens.
The state includes nearly 60 agencies, boards, commissions, colleges, universities, and the offices of the Governor, Auditor, Treasurer, and the Utah Legislature. The Attorney General represents these entities in legal matters.
However, the Office of the Attorney General does not have jurisdiction over the police, courts, or the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). While its attorneys may represent children’s best interests in DCFS cases, they do not oversee the division.
The Attorney General has several key responsibilities under state law, including (but not limited to):
- Prosecuting corporations that violate state law.
- Addressing Medicaid fraud.
- Investigating patient abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Enforcing the state’s public lands policy.
- Overseeing the Children’s Justice Center.
The Attorney General possesses the legal authority to initiate lawsuits against the federal government and its various agencies. This action can be taken in response to multiple issues, including violations of established laws, infringements on constitutional rights, discriminatory practices, and other significant matters of public concern. Through these legal proceedings, the Attorney General aims to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of individuals from government overreach.
What are Attorney General Derek Brown’s main priorities?
Attorney General Derek Brown is committed to enhancing the safety of families in Utah by implementing strategies to protect residents from crime and uphold the Constitution. He aims to transform the Office of the Attorney General into the state’s leading law firm.
To achieve this, he is focused on improving communication and transparency with the public, ensuring citizens are informed about his office’s initiatives. Through these efforts, he seeks to create a safer environment for all Utah families while maintaining the integrity of state resources.
His main priorities reflect a commitment to Utah:
Protecting you: Prosecuting violent crime and abuse to enhance safety.
Protecting children: Defending vulnerable children from harm, including online dangers.
Standing up to federal overreach: Pushing back against federal authority when it oversteps.
Shielding consumers: Enforcing consumer protection laws to safeguard against abuses.
Elevating the Office of the Attorney General: Aiming to transform the office into the state’s best law firm and foster pride in its work.
What does it mean to give legal counsel to state agencies?
There are laws state agencies need to follow that are regularly updated by the Legislature. The Office of the Attorney General helps state agencies comply with these laws by giving legal advice.
The Office of the Attorney General represents the agencies in court.
Can the Office of the Attorney General represent me?
The Office of the Attorney General provides legal counsel to the State of Utah, its agencies, and elected officials. However, this office does not provide legal advice to individuals. The Utah State Bar maintains a directory of thousands of licensed attorneys for those who need representation.