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All About the Attorney General

Quick Blurb About The Attorney General

The Current Attorney General in the US: Merrick Garland

The Attorney General of the United States is one of the most important roles in the country’s justice system. The current Attorney General, Merrick Garland, was appointed by President Biden earlier this year. Here is a closer look at Garland’s background, his priorities as Attorney General, and his plan for the future.

Background

Garland is a highly respected judge who served as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Prior to this, he was a federal prosecutor and worked on high-profile cases such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the Unabomber case. He also served as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General during Bill Clinton’s presidency.

Priorities

Garland has several priorities as Attorney General, including civil rights, voting rights, and protecting the nation’s security. He is committed to ensuring that the Department of Justice operates independently and without political interference. Under his leadership, the DOJ will also focus on combating domestic terrorism, hate crimes, and gun violence.

Plans for the Future

Garland has laid out several plans for the future of the Department of Justice. He plans to prioritize investigations into civil rights abuses and police misconduct. He will also work to restore trust in the DOJ and will increase resources to enforce voting rights laws. Garland also plans to increase efforts to combat the opioid crisis and will prioritize environmental justice and corporate wrongdoing.

Confirmation Process

Garland’s confirmation process was a lengthy one, but he was ultimately confirmed by the Senate with a 70-30 vote. During his confirmation hearing, he faced questions on his views on civil rights, national security, and his plans for the DOJ. He was praised for his qualifications and commitment to public service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Merrick Garland is a highly qualified and experienced Attorney General who has a clear plan for the future of the DOJ. His priorities, including civil rights and protecting national security, are crucial for the country’s justice system. His confirmation as Attorney General was a long-awaited relief for many, and his leadership will be essential for restoring trust in the DOJ and promoting justice and equality for all.


Eric Himpton Holder Jr. is the current Attorney General. There have been 81 previous attorney generals. Holder is the first African American Attorney General to hold office.

Attorney Generals are appointed by the United States President; Holder was appointed by President Barack Obama. Holder was born in New York and has previously served as a judge of the Superior Court of DC.

Prior to becoming the Attorney General, Holder worked as a Deputy Attorney General, as a lawyer, and as a senior legal advisor to the Senate. When Barack Obama was running for president, Holder was one of the three members of Obama’s vice presidential selection committee.

Holder is married to Dr. Sharon Malone. The couple has three children. Holder enjoys spending time with watching basketball and mentoring inner city youths.  In 2010, Holder was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Boston University’s School of Law.

The Department of Justice will offer more information about the responsibilities of the Attorney General.