Understanding the Roles of U.S. Attorneys and the Department of Justice

The United States legal system relies on a network of federal law enforcement officials to uphold the law and prosecute crimes. Central to this system are U.S. Attorneys, who serve as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officers within their respective judicial districts. This article provides an overview of the role of U.S. Attorneys, their relationship to the Department of Justice, and the specialized sections within the Criminal Division that support their work.

What is a U.S. Attorney?

U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving four-year terms. As outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice, each of the 94 federal judicial districts has a U.S. Attorney. They are responsible for both criminal prosecutions and representing the U.S. Federal government in civil litigation. Each office can be staffed with as many as 350 Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) and 350 support personnel.

The Department of Justice and its Criminal Division

U.S. Attorneys operate under the guidance of the United States Attorneys’ Manual and are part of the broader U.S. Department of Justice. The Criminal Division within the Department of Justice provides support and resources to U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country. This division is comprised of various sections and offices, each specializing in specific types of criminal activity.

Key Sections within the Criminal Division

The Criminal Division encompasses several specialized sections, including:

• Appellate Section (APP): This section prepares briefs and petitions for the Solicitor General for cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, and handles appeals in the courts of appeals.
• Capital Case Section (CCS): The CCS focuses on ensuring fairness and consistency in the application of the death penalty, providing support to prosecutors handling capital cases.
• Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS): This section prosecutes crimes related to child pornography, sex trafficking, and the transportation of obscene materials. It also has jurisdiction over child abuse cases on federal and Indian lands.
• Violent Crime and Racketeering Section: This section develops and implements strategies to disrupt and dismantle violent criminal enterprises and racketeering organizations.

The Role of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs)

Assistant U.S. Attorneys, often referred to as federal prosecutors, are the lawyers who directly handle criminal trials and civil litigation on behalf of the U.S. Government. They play a crucial role in investigating, prosecuting, and defending cases within their jurisdiction.

Conclusion

U.S. Attorneys and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division are vital components of the federal law enforcement system. Through the dedicated work of U.S. Attorneys, AUSAs, and specialized sections within the Criminal Division, the government strives to uphold the law, protect citizens, and ensure justice is served across the United States.