The Important Role Of Attorney General In The Government
Attorney General Role

Sefrina Saxerly 🕔December 8, 2024 at 10:14 AM
Attorney News

Attorney General Role

Lawyers New - As legal adviser to the government, the Attorney General plays a crucial role in advising on legal and constitutional issues.

This includes providing advice on proposed legislation and ensuring that it complies with the Constitution, acts and treaties of the European Union, the European Convention on Human Rights, and other international treaties to which Ireland is a signatory.

Additionally, the Attorney General offers guidance on whether the State can ratify international treaties and conventions.

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Adviser to the Government

The Attorney General is a legal adviser to the government, attending meetings and offering legal counsel on constitutional and legal issues that arise before or during these meetings.

This advice covers a range of areas, including proposed legislation's compliance with the Constitution and other international treaties, which the government plans to accede to or ratify.

Legal Representative of the State

As the legal representative of the state, the Attorney General defends the constitutionality of bills that are referred to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution.

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They represent the state in legal proceedings and ensure that the public's rights are protected and asserted.

The Attorney General also acts as the public's representative in all legal proceedings involving the enforcement of the law.

They perform a vital function in ensuring that the state complies with international obligations, such as the Geneva Conventions Act 1962.

Adviser to Government Departments and Public Bodies

In addition to advising the government, the Attorney General also provides legal advice to each government department and selected public bodies.

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This advice ensures that these bodies are aware of their legal obligations and comply with them.

Ex Officio Member of the Council of State

The Attorney General is an ex officio member of the Council of State, which advises the President of Ireland on the exercise of certain powers and functions under the Constitution.

The President can consult the Council of State on a range of issues, including the power to refer bills to the Supreme Court.

Functions under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975

The Attorney General also has functions under the Law Reform Commission Act 1975. This act establishes the Law Reform Commission and provides the Attorney General with a role in its operation.

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They play a role in the commission's work to review and reform the law, making recommendations to the government on changes to the law to improve its operation.

Functions under the Coroners Act 1962

The Attorney General also has a function under the Coroners Act 1962.

This act gives the Attorney General the power to direct a coroner to hold an inquest where they believe the circumstances of a person's death warrant an inquiry.

The Attorney General's Office

The Attorney General's Office consists of two constituent parts: the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

Together, these offices provide legal advice, legislative drafting, litigation, conveyancing, and other transactional services.

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel provides legislative drafting services, while the Chief State Solicitor's Office provides transactional services such as conveyancing and litigation services.

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The Attorney General plays a crucial role in Ireland's legal system, providing expert legal advice to the government, public bodies, and various departments.

They act as the legal representative of the state, ensuring that proposed legislation complies with the Constitution and other international treaties.

The Attorney General also defends the constitutionality of bills referred to the Supreme Court, represents the public in legal proceedings, and performs a vital role in reviewing and reforming the law.


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