What is the primary role of the Illinois Attorney General within the state government?

The Illinois Attorney General serves as the highest legal officer for the state of Illinois. This position involves providing legal counsel to various state agencies, including the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly, and managing all legal affairs pertinent to the state.

How has the method of selecting the Illinois Attorney General changed since the office's inception?

Initially, the office of the Illinois Attorney General was an appointed position. However, it has since transitioned to an office filled by a statewide election, meaning the public directly votes for the Attorney General.

Where are the main offices of the Illinois Attorney General located?

The main offices of the Illinois Attorney General are situated in two key cities within the state: Chicago and Springfield. Springfield is the capital city of Illinois, and Chicago is its largest city.

When was the office of the Illinois Attorney General officially established?

The office of the Illinois Attorney General was officially established on December 3, 1818. This establishment was based on specific guidelines that were adopted by a state constitutional convention.

Who was the inaugural holder of the Illinois Attorney General office, and what is a notable fact about his tenure?

The inaugural holder of the Illinois Attorney General office was Daniel Pope Cook. He served for only eleven days in this role before being elected to the United States Congress, and Cook County in Illinois was named in his honor.

What is the term length for the Illinois Attorney General?

The term length for the Illinois Attorney General is four years. This is a common term length for many elected state-level executive offices in the United States.

In the line of succession to the Governor of Illinois, what position does the Attorney General hold?

The Illinois Attorney General holds the second position in the line of succession to the office of Governor of Illinois. This means that if both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are unable to serve, the Attorney General would assume the governorship.

Who is the current incumbent Attorney General of Illinois, and when did their term begin?

The current incumbent Attorney General of Illinois is Kwame Raoul. His term in office began on January 14, 2019.

What are the core duties of the Illinois Attorney General as outlined by the Constitution of Illinois?

Under the Constitution of Illinois, the Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer. Their core duties include advocating for the people of Illinois, collaborating with the General Assembly to advance new legislation, and engaging in litigation to ensure compliance with state laws.

How does the Attorney General represent the people of Illinois in the Supreme Court?

The Attorney General represents the people of Illinois before the Supreme Court of Illinois in cases where the state or its citizens are considered interested parties. This ensures that the state's legal interests and the rights of its residents are upheld at the highest judicial level.

What is the Attorney General's responsibility regarding legal proceedings and actions in favor of the state?

The Attorney General is responsible for prosecuting all proceedings and actions that are in favor of the state of Illinois. This means they initiate and pursue legal cases to protect the state's interests and enforce its laws.

What role does the Attorney General play in defending state officers?

The Attorney General is tasked with defending state officers when legal actions or proceedings are brought against them in their official capacities. This provides legal protection for government employees carrying out their public duties.

How does the Illinois Attorney General interact with state's attorneys across Illinois?

The Illinois Attorney General consults with and advises the state's attorneys throughout Illinois. This collaboration helps ensure consistency and effectiveness in legal enforcement across different jurisdictions within the state.

What investigative powers does the Attorney General possess concerning statutory violations?

The Attorney General has the power to investigate violations of all statutes that the office is mandated to enforce. This allows them to proactively address legal infractions and gather evidence for potential prosecution.

In what capacity does the Attorney General provide legal advice to the Governor and other state officers?

The Attorney General advises the Governor and other state officers, and provides written opinions on legal or constitutional matters when requested. This ensures that executive decisions are made with sound legal guidance.

What is the Attorney General's duty regarding the Illinois General Assembly and its committees?

The Attorney General is required to give written opinions to the Illinois General Assembly or any of its committees when requested. This provides legislative bodies with expert legal interpretations to aid in lawmaking and policy development.

What is one specific duty of the Attorney General related to state contracts?

One specific duty of the Attorney General is to prepare drafts of contracts in which the state is interested. This ensures that all legal agreements involving the state are properly structured and protect public interests.

What is the Attorney General's role concerning statewide grand juries?

The Attorney General is responsible for attending statewide grand juries, presenting evidence to them, and prosecuting any indictments that result from their investigations. Grand juries determine if there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges.

How does the Attorney General ensure accountability for funds appropriated to public institutions?

The Attorney General ensures the proper allocation of funds appropriated to public institutions and prosecutes any breaches of trust related to these funds. This helps prevent misuse of public money and holds accountable those responsible for its management.

Which state acts are enforced by the Public Access Counselor, an office overseen by the Attorney General?

The Public Access Counselor, which operates under the oversight of the Attorney General, is responsible for enforcing the state's Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. These acts promote transparency and public access to government information and proceedings.

According to the provided data, how many Democratic-Republican attorneys general have served in Illinois?

The provided data indicates that four Democratic-Republican attorneys general have served in Illinois. This party was prominent in the early history of the United States.

How many Republican attorneys general have served in Illinois, according to the list?

According to the list of attorneys general, seventeen Republican individuals have served in the office in Illinois. The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States.

Based on the provided information, how many Democratic attorneys general have held the office in Illinois?

The provided information shows that twenty-one Democratic attorneys general have held the office in Illinois. The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States.

During what period was the office of Illinois Attorney General abolished?

The office of Illinois Attorney General was abolished for a period between 1848 and 1867. This means there was a nearly two-decade gap where the state did not have an Attorney General.

Who was the second person to serve as Illinois Attorney General, and what was his political affiliation?

The second person to serve as Illinois Attorney General was William Mears, and he belonged to the Democratic-Republican political party. He served from 1819 to 1821.

Which Attorney General served immediately before the office was abolished in 1848?

David B. Campbell served as the Illinois Attorney General immediately before the office was abolished in 1848. He was a member of the Democratic party and served from 1846 to 1848.

Who was the first Attorney General after the office was re-established in 1867?

Robert G. Ingersoll was the first Attorney General after the office was re-established in 1867. He was a Republican and served from 1867 to 1869.

Which Attorney General served the longest continuous term between 1873 and 1881?

James K. Edsall served the longest continuous term between 1873 and 1881. He was a Republican and held the office for eight years.

Who was the Democratic Attorney General who served from 1893 to 1897?

Maurice T. Moloney was the Democratic Attorney General who served from 1893 to 1897. He was the 21st person to hold the office.

Which Republican Attorney General served two consecutive terms from 1905 to 1913?

William H. Stead, a Republican, served two consecutive terms as Attorney General from 1905 to 1913. He was the 24th individual to hold the position.

Who succeeded Patrick J. Lucey as Attorney General in 1917?

Edward J. Brundage, a Republican, succeeded Patrick J. Lucey as Attorney General in 1917. Brundage served until 1925.

Which Attorney General, a Democrat, served from 1932 to 1938?

Otto Kerner Sr., a Democrat, served as Attorney General from 1932 to 1938. He was the 28th person to hold the office.

Who was the Republican Attorney General who served from 1941 to 1949?

George F. Barrett, a Republican, served as Attorney General from 1941 to 1949. He was the 30th individual to hold the position.

Which Attorney General, a Democrat, served from 1949 to 1953?

Ivan A. Elliott, a Democrat, served as Attorney General from 1949 to 1953. He was the 31st person to hold the office.

Who served as Attorney General for a single year from 1959 to 1960?

Grenville Beardsley, a Republican, served as Attorney General for a single year from 1959 to 1960. He was the 33rd individual to hold the position.

Which Attorney General, a Democrat, served from 1961 to 1969?

William G. Clark, a Democrat, served as Attorney General from 1961 to 1969. He was the 35th person to hold the office.

Who was the Republican Attorney General who served from 1969 to 1980?

William J. Scott, a Republican, served as Attorney General from 1969 to 1980. He was the 36th individual to hold the position.

Which Attorney General, a Democrat, served from 1983 to 1991?

Neil F. Hartigan, a Democrat, served as Attorney General from 1983 to 1991. He was the 38th person to hold the office.

Who was the Democratic Attorney General who served from 1991 to 1995?

Roland W. Burris, a Democrat, served as Attorney General from 1991 to 1995. He was the 39th individual to hold the position.

Which Republican Attorney General served from 1995 to 2003?

Jim Ryan, a Republican, served as Attorney General from 1995 to 2003. He was the 40th person to hold the office.

Who was the Democratic Attorney General who served from 2003 to 2019?

Lisa Madigan, a Democrat, served as Attorney General from 2003 to 2019. She was the 41st individual to hold the position and served for a significant period.

What is the significance of the seal displayed for the Attorney General of Illinois?

The seal displayed for the Attorney General of Illinois is the official emblem representing the authority and office of the Attorney General. Such seals are commonly used by government entities to authenticate documents and signify official capacity.

What is the purpose of the 'Illinois portal' mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The 'Illinois portal' is a navigational link within Wikipedia that directs users to a collection of articles related to the state of Illinois. It serves as a central hub for information about the state.

What additional resource is listed under 'See also' that relates to law enforcement in Illinois?

Under the 'See also' section, a 'List of law enforcement agencies in Illinois' is provided. This resource would offer a comprehensive compilation of various police departments, sheriff's offices, and other law enforcement bodies operating within the state.

What type of material is incorporated into the article from the Illinois Compiled Statutes?

The article incorporates public domain material from the Illinois Compiled Statutes. Public domain material is content that is not protected by copyright and can be freely used by anyone.

What is the function of the 'External links' section in the article?

The 'External links' section provides a list of hyperlinks to other websites that offer additional information related to the Illinois Attorney General. These links include the official website, articles from legal journals, and legal databases.

Which external link provides access to press releases from the Illinois Attorney General's office?

The external link 'Press releases at Illinois Attorney General' provides access to official press releases from the Illinois Attorney General's office. This allows the public to stay informed about the office's current activities and announcements.

What information can be found through the external link to the National Association of Attorneys General?

The external link to the National Association of Attorneys General provides a profile of the Illinois Attorney General, specifically mentioning Lisa Madigan. This association serves as a forum for state and territorial attorneys general to share information and coordinate efforts.

What is the purpose of the 'Illinois statewide elected officials' navbox at the end of the article?

The 'Illinois statewide elected officials' navbox serves as a navigation template listing other key elected officials in Illinois, such as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Comptroller. It helps users easily navigate to related articles about these positions.

Illinois Attorney General Wiki: Guardians of the Law: The Illinois Attorney General's Office

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Overview

Illinois' Chief Legal Authority

The Illinois Attorney General serves as the highest legal officer for the state of Illinois. This pivotal role involves providing comprehensive legal counsel to various state agencies, including the Governor's office and the Illinois General Assembly. The Attorney General is entrusted with the responsibility of managing all legal affairs pertinent to the state, ensuring the integrity and enforcement of Illinois law.^[3]

Evolution of an Office

Established on December 3, 1818, following guidelines set forth by a state constitutional convention, the office of the Illinois Attorney General has evolved significantly. Initially an appointed position, it transitioned to an office filled by statewide election, reflecting a commitment to democratic accountability. The Attorney General's primary offices are strategically located in both Chicago and Springfield, facilitating broad reach across the state.^[5]

Succession and Incumbency

The Attorney General holds a critical position in the state's leadership hierarchy, standing second in the line of succession to the Governor of Illinois, immediately after the Lieutenant Governor.^[1]^[2] The inaugural holder of this esteemed office was Daniel Pope Cook, who served a brief but impactful eleven-day term before being elected to the United States Congress. Notably, Cook County was named in his honor. The current incumbent, Kwame Raoul, has held the office since January 14, 2019.^[5]

Core Role

Advocate and Advisor

As stipulated by the Constitution of Illinois, the Attorney General functions as the state's chief legal officer, endowed with powers and duties prescribed by law. This encompasses a broad mandate to advocate vigorously for the citizens of Illinois, collaborate with the General Assembly to advance new legislation, and engage in litigation to ensure strict adherence to state laws.^[3]

Statutory Responsibilities

The Attorney General Act delineates a comprehensive set of duties, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the office. These responsibilities are crucial for maintaining legal order and protecting public interests within the state:

Representing the people of Illinois before the Supreme Court in matters where the state or its citizens are interested parties.
Initiating and prosecuting all legal proceedings and actions that benefit the state.
Defending state officers against actions or proceedings when they are acting in their official capacities.
Providing consultation and advice to the state's attorneys across Illinois.
Investigating violations of all statutes that fall under the Attorney General's enforcement purview.

Oversight and Counsel

Beyond litigation and enforcement, the Attorney General's office plays a vital advisory role:

Advising the Governor and other state officers, and issuing formal written opinions on legal or constitutional matters upon request.
Providing written opinions to the General Assembly or its committees when requested.
Preparing drafts of contracts in which the state has a vested interest.
Attending, presenting evidence to, and prosecuting indictments issued by the statewide grand jury.
Ensuring the proper allocation of funds appropriated to public institutions and prosecuting any breaches of trust.^[4]

Furthermore, the Attorney General oversees the Public Access Counselor, an entity responsible for enforcing the state's Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in government.^[4]

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years

The office of the Illinois Attorney General was formally established on December 3, 1818, a foundational moment in the state's legal and governmental structure. This establishment was guided by principles adopted during a state constitutional convention, reflecting the nascent state's need for a chief legal representative. The first individual to assume these responsibilities was Daniel Pope Cook, whose tenure, though brief at eleven days, marked the inception of this crucial office. Cook's subsequent election to the United States Congress and the naming of Cook County in his honor underscore his early significance in Illinois history.^[5]

Periods of Change

The office experienced a period of abolition between 1848 and 1867, indicating significant shifts in the state's governmental structure and legal needs during that era. Its re-establishment marked a renewed recognition of the necessity for a dedicated chief legal officer. Over time, the method of filling the office transitioned from appointment to statewide election, a change that enhanced its democratic legitimacy and direct accountability to the citizens of Illinois.

Past and Present Officials

The following table provides a comprehensive list of individuals who have served as the Illinois Attorney General, detailing their political affiliation and terms of service.

#	Name	Political Party	Term
1	Daniel Pope Cook	Democratic-Republican	1819
2	William Mears	Democratic-Republican	1819–1821
3	Samuel D. Lockwood	Democratic-Republican	1821–1822
4	James Turney	Democratic-Republican	1822–1829
5	George Forquer	Democratic	1829–1832
6	James Semple	Democratic	1832–1834
7	Ninian Wirt Edwards	Democratic	1834–1835
8	Jesse B. Thomas Jr.	Democratic	1835–1836
9	Walter B. Scates	Democratic	1836–1837
10	Usher F. Linder	Democratic	1837–1838
11	George W. Olney	Democratic	1838–1839
12	Wickliffe Kitchell	Democratic	1839–1840
13	Josiah Lamborn	Democratic	1840–1843
14	James A. McDougall	Democratic	1843–1846
15	David B. Campbell	Democratic	1846–1848
Office abolished 1848–1867
16	Robert G. Ingersoll	Republican	1867–1869
17	Washington Bushnell	Republican	1869–1873
18	James K. Edsall	Republican	1873–1881
19	James A. McCartney	Republican	1881–1885
20	George Hunt	Republican	1885–1893
21	Maurice T. Moloney	Democratic	1893–1897
22	Edward C. Akin	Republican	1897–1901
23	Howland J. Hamlin	Republican	1901–1905
24	William H. Stead	Republican	1905–1913
25	Patrick J. Lucey	Democratic	1913–1917
26	Edward J. Brundage	Republican	1917–1925
27	Oscar E. Carlstrom	Republican	1925–1933
28	Otto Kerner Sr.	Democratic	1932–1938
29	John Edward Cassidy	Democratic	1938–1941
30	George F. Barrett	Republican	1941–1949
31	Ivan A. Elliott	Democratic	1949–1953
32	Latham Castle	Republican	1953–1959
33	Grenville Beardsley	Republican	1959–1960
34	William L. Guild	Republican	1960–1961
35	William G. Clark	Democratic	1961–1969
36	William J. Scott	Republican	1969–1980
37	Tyrone C. Fahner	Republican	1980–1983
38	Neil F. Hartigan	Democratic	1983–1991
39	Roland W. Burris	Democratic	1991–1995
40	Jim Ryan	Republican	1995–2003
41	Lisa Madigan	Democratic	2003–2019
42	Kwame Raoul	Democratic	2019–present

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Illinois Attorney General Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional legal consultation, advice, or representation. Always refer to official government sources, legal statutes, and consult with qualified legal professionals for specific legal questions or needs. Never disregard professional legal advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Guardians of the Law

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Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Illinois' Chief Legal Authority

⚖️ Evolution of an Office

👨‍💼 Succession and Incumbency

Core Role 📜

🤝 Advocate and Advisor

💼 Statutory Responsibilities

📝 Oversight and Counsel

Historical Trajectory 📅

🏛️ Founding and Early Years

🔄 Periods of Change

Past and Present Officials 👨‍⚖️

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Illinois' Chief Legal Authority

Evolution of an Office

Succession and Incumbency

Core Role

Advocate and Advisor

Statutory Responsibilities

Oversight and Counsel

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years

Periods of Change

Past and Present Officials

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice