Attorney General’s Office

Revision Date: 
Monday, December 1, 2014

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Arizona Attorney General's Office

Authority:

Originally established by 1864 Howell Code, Chapter 16 and re-established 1912, Arizona State Constitution, Article 5, Section 1.  The Attorney General’s Office was the original name of the agency, from 1912-1953.  In 1953, the agency was renamed the Department of Law within which the Attorney General (AG) operates.

Function:

The AG directs the Department of Law and acts as legal advisor to official agencies of state, except those agencies specifically exempted by statute.   Compiles, publishes, and distributes the Arizona agency handbook that sets forth and explains the major state laws that govern state agencies.  Prosecutes and defends proceedings in which the state has an interest and renders written opinions regarding questions of law.  The AG is second in line to succeed the Governor, after the Secretary of State.

History:

The office was abolished and re-established twice before becoming a permanent agency in 1883.  The office is constitutionally established and is considered to be part of the executive branch of state government.  The Attorney General is elected to a four-year term and is limited to two consecutive terms.

Sources:

  • Guide to Public Records
  • Classification Guide
  • Constitution of the State of Arizona
  • Master List of State Government Programs
  • A.R.S. §§ 41-191 to 41-198
  • Howell Code
  • www.azag.gov