Abstract
For the last five years, it has been my privilege to serve the people as their attorney general. The origin of the position of attorney general can be traced back centuries, but in a world that has become more interconnected, complex, and fast-paced, what does the role of a state attorney general entail in the twenty-first century and beyond? Is the proper role as a diligent but reactive defender of statutes and state agencies, or is there a deeper responsibility that calls for a more proactive and engaged use of its tools and authority? I have found that the job of attorney general is not necessarily well-understood, nor does the general public often think about the positive impact that their attorney general can have on their lives. In the voting booth, the office is usually relegated to, at best, the third line on the ballot, and sometimes our best and most important work is done quietly, away from the bright lights.
Recommended Citation
Mark J. Herring,
The People's Lawyer: The Role of Attorney General in the Twenty-First Century,
53
U. Rich. L. Rev.
1
(2018).
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/lawreview/vol53/iss1/2
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