United States Attorneys

United States Attorneys (also known as U.S. Attorneys) are the chief federal law enforcement officers in their district, responsible for federal prosecution and civil litigation involving the United States government. Appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, U.S. Attorneys serve at the discretion of the President and are typically replaced at the beginning of a new administration.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of United States Attorneys is to represent the federal government in United States district court and United States courts of appeals. Their responsibilities include prosecuting criminal cases brought by the federal government, prosecuting and defending civil cases in which the United States is a party, and collecting debts owed to the federal government which are administratively uncollectible.

Each U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer within his or her particular jurisdiction, leading a staff of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and support personnel. They have the authority to prosecute violations of federal laws, to prosecute or defend in court actions in which the United States is a party, and to collect debts owed to the federal government.

Appointment and Tenure

U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President of the United States for a term of four years, with appointments subject to confirmation by the Senate. While they serve at the pleasure of the President, it is a common practice for a new administration to replace most or all U.S. Attorneys within the first year or two.

Jurisdiction

Each U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of federal laws within its designated district. The United States is divided into 94 federal judicial districts, each with its own U.S. Attorney. These districts align with the federal judicial districts established for the federal court system.

History

The office of the U.S. Attorney was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789, which established the federal judiciary and the office of the Attorney General. The Act mandated the appointment of a "person learned in the law" to act as the federal prosecutor in each judicial district.

Notable Cases and Controversies

Over the years, U.S. Attorneys have been involved in many high-profile cases and controversies. Their decisions on whether to pursue criminal charges in sensitive cases can lead to significant political and public scrutiny. The dismissal of U.S. Attorneys, such as the 2006 U.S. attorneys dismissal controversy, can also lead to significant public and political controversy.

See Also

• United States Department of Justice
• Attorney General of the United States
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• United States district court
• United States courts of appeals