Learning about Government: The Department Of Justice

The United States federal departments are part of the executive branch of the federal government. The make up the Cabinet of the United States which serves as a resource and advisory body for the President of the United States. 15 separate departments exists governing everything from the national treasury to the affairs of veterans.

The Justice Department was created in 1870 and is headed by the United States Attorney General. The Attorney General gains nomination from the President but must be confirmed by the Senate. Our current Attorney General Is Loretta Lynch. The Attorney General is seventh in the line of succession for the presidency. The mission for the Department OF Justice goes as follows:

“To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.”

It is the duty of the Department of Justice and the Attorney General to enforce the laws of the United States and to protect civil liberties. Additionally it is the job of the DOJ to protect intellectual properties and environmental concerns. A recent example of the work of the DOJ can be seen in the investigation and subsequent penalization of the parties involved with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The DOJ also investigates and prosecutes instances of financial fraud and corruption. Interstate and foreign crime also come under the jurisdiction of the DOJ. An additional 59 smaller federal agencies and departments fall under the jurisdiction of the DOJ, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the National Security Department.