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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Attorney General's Office

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The Texas Office of the Attorney General was first established by executive ordinance in 1836, according to the Handbook of Texas Online, a publication of the Texas State Historical Association.

The first four attorneys general were appointed by the governor. Subsequent attorneys general have been elected by voters statewide.

The attorney general is the chief legal officer of the state and protects state interests through judicial proceedings and legal advice.

The office represents state interests in the courts of Texas and of the United States.

The attorney general regulates and punishes corporations and protects charitable trusts through court action.

The attorney general sues for recovery of taxes owed to the state and sues those who violate environmental protection laws or illegally extract natural resources. The office also enforces state antitrust laws and prosecutes those who mishandle state funds.

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