Duties

The Office of the Attorney General is a constitutional office: it is created by the Georgia Constitution and derives its authority from both the Constitution and the laws of Georgia.

As the attorney and legal advisor for the Executive Branch, the Office of the Attorney General's duties include:

• Providing opinions on legal questions concerning the State of Georgia or its agencies, which are binding on all state agencies and departments.
• Representing the State of Georgia in all capital felony appeals before the Supreme Court of Georgia.
• Representing the State of Georgia in all civil cases before any court.
• Representing the State of Georgia in all cases appearing before the Supreme Court of the United States.
• Prosecuting public corruption cases where criminal charges are filed against any person or business for illegal activity when dealing with the State of Georgia.
• Initiating civil or criminal actions on behalf of the State of Georgia when requested to do so by the Governor.
• Preparing and reviewing contracts and agreements regarding matters on behalf of the State of Georgia.

The Attorney General does not, and indeed by law cannot, provide legal advice to private citizens.