Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys

The Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys, officially Attorney General's Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys (AGAC), is a committee of the Department of Justice of the Government of the United States of America.

History

The creation of the committee was first announced in 1973 by Attorney General Elliot Richardson. Attorney General Edward Levi defined its function formally by order dated February 13, 1976, setting its responsibilities forth in 28 C.F.R., Section 0.10.

Composition

"The Committee consists of 17 United States Attorneys selected by the Attorney General. They are intended to represent office size, judicial district, issues and diversity. Service on the Committee normally shall not exceed three years. New members are appointed each year to provide for broad representation of United States Attorneys nationwide. The Attorney General selects a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The Committee establishes such subcommittees as it deems necessary to carry out its functions."cite web|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/eousa/foia_reading_room/usam/title3/2musa.htm| title=EOUSA Resource Manual/Section 3-2.500]

The current chair of the committee is Johnny Sutton.

Function

"The Advisory Committee has two functions. It gives United States Attorneys a voice in Department policies and advises the Attorney General of the United States.

In advising the Attorney General, the Committee conducts studies and makes recommendations to improve management of United States Attorney operations and the relationship between the Department and the federal prosecutors. It also helps formulate new programs for improvement of the criminal justice system and the delivery of legal services at all levels.

In serving the United States Attorneys, the Committee coordinates the collective efforts of the United States Attorneys with the divisions and agencies of the Department of Justice, and departments and agencies external to the Department of Justice. It also represents the United States Attorneys with the Department of Justice, other departments and agencies of the government, and occasionally private organizations."

Interpretation

"The Advisory Committee plays a vital role in furthering the Department's law enforcement efforts and gives U.S. Attorneys a key voice in Department policy. Together in partnership with state, local and federal authorities, the Advisory Committee is crucial in advancing the Department's efforts to battle terrorism and prosecute corporate fraud, as well as continue its law enforcement mission in areas such as civil rights, violent crime, and immigration". [cite web|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2005/May/05_ag_293.htm| title=(Statement of DOJ under AG Alberto Gonzales, May 2005)]

References