What is the primary role of a United States Attorney?

A United States Attorney serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in their designated U.S. federal judicial district. They are responsible for prosecuting federal criminal cases and representing the U.S. federal government in civil litigation within their geographic jurisdiction.

How many U.S. federal judicial districts are there, and how many U.S. Attorneys are typically appointed?

There are 94 U.S. federal judicial districts, and consequently, there are typically 93 U.S. Attorneys serving these districts. This is because a single U.S. Attorney covers both the districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

What is the appointment process for a United States Attorney?

United States Attorneys are nominated by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. After confirmation, they serve a four-year term.

What are the core responsibilities of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs)?

Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) are government lawyers who staff the U.S. Attorney's Offices. They act as prosecutors in federal criminal trials and represent the federal government in civil litigation. Their duties include investigating individuals, issuing subpoenas, filing criminal charges, negotiating plea bargains, and granting immunity to witnesses.

Under which department do U.S. Attorneys and their offices operate?

U.S. Attorneys and their offices are part of the United States Department of Justice. They receive oversight, supervision, and administrative support from the Justice Department's Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA).

When was the Office of the United States Attorney established, and what was its original mandate?

The Office of the United States Attorney was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789. Its original mandate was to appoint a "Person learned in the law to act as attorney for the United States" in each judicial district, tasked with prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil actions involving the U.S. government.

How did the creation of the Department of Justice in 1870 affect the U.S. Attorneys' offices?

Prior to 1870, U.S. Attorneys operated independently of the Attorney General. With the creation of the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys began to come under the supervision and authority of the Attorney General.

What is the standard term length for a U.S. Attorney, and what happens if a successor is not appointed?

U.S. Attorneys are appointed for a four-year term. However, by law, they continue to serve in their position even after their appointed term expires, until their successor has been appointed and officially qualified to take office.

Who has the authority to remove a U.S. Attorney from office?

The President of the United States holds the authority to remove a U.S. Attorney from office, as stipulated by law.

What significant statutory change regarding interim U.S. Attorney appointments occurred in March 2006?

In March 2006, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act amended Section 546 of Title 28 of the U.S. Code. This amendment removed the 120-day limit for interim U.S. Attorneys appointed by the Attorney General, allowing them to serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation if the President did not nominate a successor.

How was the 120-day term limit for interim U.S. Attorneys reinstated?

Following the controversy surrounding the indefinite terms for interim U.S. Attorneys, Congress passed the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007. This act, signed into law in June 2007, re-instated the 120-day term limit for interim appointments made by the Attorney General.

According to Senator Dianne Feinstein, how has the authority to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys evolved historically?

Senator Feinstein summarized that the authority to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys initially rested with circuit courts in 1863, then shifted to district courts in 1898. In 1986, the authority moved to the Attorney General with a 120-day limit, and in 2006, this limit was removed before being reinstated in 2007.

What is the dual role of a U.S. Attorney's Office in terms of legal representation?

The U.S. Attorney's Office acts as the chief prosecutor for the United States in criminal law cases and also represents the United States in civil law cases, either as the plaintiff or the defendant, depending on the circumstances.

Can private citizens represent the U.S. government in court, and if so, under what provision?

Yes, in certain circumstances, private citizens can represent the interests of the United States through a legal action known as a 'qui tam' action, provided they are represented by an attorney. They may also share in penalties assessed against guilty parties.

What unique responsibility does the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia hold?

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has the additional duty of prosecuting local criminal cases in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, which functions similarly to a municipal court for the nation's capital.

What is the function of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA)?

The EOUSA provides essential administrative support, general executive direction, policy development, administrative management oversight, and operational support to the 93 U.S. Attorneys' offices across the country and its territories.

When was the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) established, and by whom?

The EOUSA was established on April 6, 1953, by Attorney General Order No. 8-53. Its purpose was to facilitate close coordination between the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Attorneys located throughout the nation and its territories.

Who organized the EOUSA and served as its first chief?

James R. Browning, who later became a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, organized the EOUSA and served as its first chief.

What does the flag of a United States Attorney symbolize?

The provided text includes an image of the Flag of a United States Attorney, indicating it is a distinct symbol associated with the office, though its specific symbolism is not detailed in the text.

What are the general competencies expected of a U.S. Attorney?

The competencies required for a U.S. Attorney include strong advocacy skills, an analytical mind, a sense of justice, and political suitability for the role.

What educational background is typically required to become a U.S. Attorney?

To become a U.S. Attorney, one generally needs a law degree and must have passed a bar examination, indicating they are qualified to practice law.

What is the significance of the seal shown in the infobox for the United States Attorney?

The seal depicted in the infobox is the Seal of the United States Department of Justice, signifying the organizational affiliation and authority under which the U.S. Attorney operates.

What is the primary function of the U.S. Attorneys' Manual?

The U.S. Attorneys' Manual serves as a guide, providing direction and outlining the procedures and policies under which U.S. Attorneys and their offices operate in carrying out their duties.

What does the term 'acting' or 'interim' signify when listed next to a U.S. Attorney's name in the provided list?

The terms 'acting' or 'interim' indicate that the individual is temporarily holding the position of U.S. Attorney, either because a permanent nominee has not yet been confirmed by the Senate or due to a vacancy, as opposed to being the officially appointed and confirmed U.S. Attorney.

What historical districts are mentioned as defunct U.S. Attorneys' offices?

The text lists several defunct U.S. Attorneys' offices, including those for the Districts of Michigan, Eastern District of South Carolina, Western District of South Carolina, Eastern District of Illinois, Panama Canal Zone, Indiana, Washington, Arkansas, Western District of Florida, Eastern District of Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Territory of Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Territory of New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Territory of Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of China (Shanghai).

What is the relationship between U.S. Attorneys and other federal law enforcement agencies?

U.S. Attorneys have authority over federal law enforcement personnel within their districts and can direct their involvement in investigations. They also cooperate with various federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, Secret Service, and ICE, to prosecute relevant cases.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section provides links to related topics and articles, such as lists of U.S. Attorneys appointed by specific presidents, controversies involving U.S. Attorneys, and related legal or governmental positions and departments, to allow readers to explore the subject further.

What does the map of U.S. Court of Appeals and District Court boundaries illustrate?

The map illustrates the geographical divisions of the federal court system, showing the boundaries of the U.S. Courts of Appeals by color and the U.S. District Courts, which are typically located within a state and sometimes divided into multiple districts.

What specific legal competencies are listed for U.S. Attorneys?

The listed competencies for U.S. Attorneys include advocacy skills, an analytical mind, a sense of justice, and political fit.

How does the role of a U.S. Attorney differ from that of a District Attorney?

While both are prosecutors, a U.S. Attorney is a federal prosecutor representing the U.S. federal government in federal judicial districts, whereas a District Attorney is a prosecutor at the state or local level, handling cases within a particular county or municipality. The article explicitly notes this distinction in its introductory hatnote.

What is the significance of the 'United States attorneys controversy' section?

This section highlights a specific historical controversy, the 2006 dismissal of U.S. Attorneys, and details the legislative changes made to the statutes governing the appointment and tenure of interim U.S. Attorneys, particularly concerning the removal and subsequent reinstatement of term limits.

What does the presence of 'acting' or 'interim' designations in the list of current U.S. Attorneys suggest about the appointment process?

The frequent use of 'acting' or 'interim' designations suggests that many U.S. Attorney positions are filled by individuals temporarily serving due to ongoing appointment processes, vacancies, or political considerations, rather than by fully confirmed, long-term appointees.

What is the purpose of the 'Defunct U.S. attorneys' offices' section?

This section serves to document historical U.S. Attorney offices that no longer exist, often due to redistricting, consolidation of judicial areas, or changes in territorial status, providing a historical perspective on the structure of the federal prosecution system.

What is the relationship between the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Attorney General's Advisory Committee?

Selected U.S. Attorneys participate in the Attorney General's Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys, indicating a formal mechanism for input and consultation between U.S. Attorneys and the head of the Department of Justice.

What does the article imply about the size and scope of U.S. Attorney's Offices?

The article implies that U.S. Attorney's Offices can be quite large, supervising offices with as many as 350 assistant U.S. attorneys and an equal number of support personnel, indicating a significant operational capacity.

What legal framework governs the duties of U.S. Attorneys?

The duties of U.S. Attorneys are guided by the United States Attorneys' Manual, which provides comprehensive instructions and policies for their operations.

What is the historical context of the U.S. Attorney's office relative to the Department of Justice?

The office of the U.S. Attorney predates the Department of Justice, having been established by the Judiciary Act of 1789. It only came under the direct supervision of the Attorney General with the creation of the Department of Justice in 1870.

What specific legislative act amended the statute governing interim U.S. Attorney appointments in 2007?

The Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007 amended the statute to re-instate the 120-day term limit for interim U.S. Attorneys.

What does the reference to 'competencies' like 'political fit' suggest about the selection of U.S. Attorneys?

The inclusion of 'political fit' as a competency suggests that factors beyond legal qualifications, such as alignment with the appointing administration's political goals or priorities, can play a role in the selection process for U.S. Attorneys.

What is the function of the 'Navbox' at the end of the article?

The 'Navbox' serves as a navigational tool, providing links to related templates and articles concerning the United States Department of Justice and the structure of the United States federal courts, allowing users to easily access related information.

What does the presence of 'citation needed' tags in the text imply?

The 'citation needed' tags indicate that certain claims or statements within the article lack direct references to reliable sources and may require further verification or supporting evidence.

What is the significance of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia prosecuting local cases?

This unique role means the federal prosecutor for D.C. also handles offenses typically prosecuted by local or state authorities, bridging the gap between federal and local justice systems in the nation's capital.

How does the Judiciary Act of 1789 relate to the establishment of the federal judiciary?

The Judiciary Act of 1789 was a foundational piece of legislation that not only created the office of the U.S. Attorney but also established the structure of the Supreme Court and the inferior federal courts, laying the groundwork for the entire U.S. Federal Judiciary.

What does the article suggest about the potential for U.S. Attorneys to be involved in politics?

The mention of 'political fit' as a competency and the history of controversies surrounding appointments and removals suggest that U.S. Attorneys often operate within a politically charged environment and their roles can be influenced by political considerations.

What is the primary purpose of the 'List of current U.S. attorneys' offices' table?

The table provides a comprehensive directory of the current U.S. Attorneys, organized by their respective jurisdictions, along with the start date of their term, serving as a reference for who holds these key federal law enforcement positions.

What does the 'Wikimedia Commons' link at the end of the article offer?

The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to related media files, such as images and potentially other multimedia content, pertaining to United States Attorneys, enriching the visual and informational resources available on the topic.

What does the article imply about the legal requirements for a U.S. Attorney beyond a law degree and bar passage?

While a law degree and bar passage are listed as required education, the mention of 'competencies' like 'analytical mind,' 'sense of justice,' and 'political fit' implies that the role requires a blend of legal expertise, critical thinking, ethical grounding, and political acumen.

How did the 2006 statutory change regarding interim U.S. Attorneys impact the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches?

By removing the 120-day limit, the 2006 change allowed the Attorney General to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys indefinitely without Senate confirmation, potentially bypassing the Senate's role in vetting and approving presidential nominees, thereby consolidating more power within the executive branch.

What historical precedent existed for court-appointed interim U.S. Attorneys before the Attorney General gained this authority?

Historically, dating back to the Civil War era, circuit courts and later district courts held the authority to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys when vacancies arose, a practice that continued for nearly a century before legislative changes shifted this power.

United States Attorney Wiki: The Federal Prosecutor's Mandate: Navigating the Role of the U.S. Attorney

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Overview

Chief Federal Prosecutors

United States Attorneys are the principal federal prosecutors within their respective jurisdictions, representing the U.S. Department of Justice. They serve as the chief federal law enforcement officers in each of the 94 U.S. federal judicial districts. Their mandate includes prosecuting federal criminal cases and representing the U.S. federal government in civil litigation within their designated geographic areas.

Scope of Authority

Each U.S. Attorney oversees an office staffed by Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and support personnel. These offices are responsible for a wide range of legal activities, including investigating individuals, issuing subpoenas, filing formal criminal charges, negotiating plea bargains, and granting immunity. In civil matters, they act as legal counsel for the federal government.

National Reach

There are 93 U.S. Attorneys serving 94 districts, extending across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands serves both districts. Their operations are guided by the United States Attorneys' Manual.

Historical Foundation

Origins in 1789

The Office of the United States Attorney was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, concurrently with the office of the Attorney General and the U.S. Marshal. This foundational legislation also structured the U.S. federal court system. Initially, U.S. Attorneys operated independently of the Attorney General.

Integration with DOJ

The creation of the Department of Justice in 1870 brought U.S. Attorneys under the supervision and authority of the Attorney General. Prior to this, they functioned as independent legal representatives for the federal government within their districts.

Evolution of Appointments

Historically, interim appointments were vested with circuit courts, later shifting to district courts. In 1986, statutory changes granted the Attorney General authority for interim appointments, initially with a 120-day limit. Subsequent legislative actions, notably the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007, re-established term limits for interim appointments, aiming to balance executive authority with judicial and congressional oversight.

Appointment Process

Presidential Nomination

United States Attorneys are nominated by the President of the United States. This nomination process is a critical step in ensuring alignment with the administration's legal and enforcement priorities.

Senate Confirmation

Following presidential nomination, each U.S. Attorney must receive confirmation from the United States Senate. This confirmation process involves scrutiny of the nominee's qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

Tenure

Appointed U.S. Attorneys serve a four-year term. However, they continue in their official capacity until their successor is appointed and qualified. The President retains the statutory authority to remove a U.S. Attorney from office.

Core Responsibilities

Chief Prosecutor

As the chief federal prosecutor, the U.S. Attorney directs the prosecution of all federal criminal offenses within their district. This includes overseeing investigations, preparing cases for trial, and arguing cases before federal courts.

Government Advocate

In civil litigation, U.S. Attorneys represent the United States government, acting as either plaintiff or defendant as required. This involves defending federal agencies and officials, enforcing federal laws, and pursuing civil remedies.

Law Enforcement Leadership

U.S. Attorneys serve as the primary federal law enforcement officials in their districts. They coordinate with various federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF, as well as state and local agencies, to ensure effective crime prevention and prosecution.

Administrative Head

The U.S. Attorney is also the administrative head of their respective Office of the U.S. Attorney, managing staff, resources, and operations in accordance with departmental guidelines.

Current Offices

The following table lists the current U.S. Attorneys and their respective districts, along with their start dates. Note that some positions are held by acting or interim appointees.

District Offices

Jurisdiction	Officeholder	Term start
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama	Kevin P. Davidson (acting)	August 25, 2024
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama	Prim F. Escalona	July 16, 2020
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama	Sean P. Costello	February 27, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska	Michael J. Heyman	February 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona	Timothy Courchaine	February 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas	Jonathan D. Ross	January 1, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas	David Clay Fowlkes	January 17, 2020
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California	Bilal Essayli (acting)	April 2, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California	Eric Grant (interim)	August 11, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California	Craig H. Missakian (interim)	May 27, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California	Adam Gordon	April 11, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado	Peter McNeilly (interim)	June 16, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia	Jeanine Pirro	May 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut	David X. Sullivan (interim)	May 12, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware	Julianne Murray (interim)	July 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida	Gregory Kehoe	March 31, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida	John P. Heekin (interim)	June 2, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida	Jason A. Reding Quiñones	August 13, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia	Will Keyes (interim)	June 24, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia	Theodore S. Hertzberg (interim)	May 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia	Meg E. Heap (interim)	August 18, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands	Shawn N. Anderson	January 4, 2018
U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii	Ken Sorenson (acting)	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho	Justin D. Whatcott (acting)	February 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois	Gregory M. Gilmore (acting)	January 2, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois	Andrew S. Boutros	April 7, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois	Steven D. Weinhoeft	February 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana	Scott Proctor (acting)	July 11, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana	Thomas E. Wheeler (interim)	July 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa	Timothy T. Duax	February 1, 2022
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa	Richard D. Westphal	November 16, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas	Ryan Kriegshauser (interim)	July 31, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky	Paul McCaffrey (acting)	February 26, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky	Kyle G. Baumgarner (interim)	July 1, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana	Michael M. Simpson (acting)	February 12, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana	Ellison C. Travis (acting)	February 22, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana	Alexander C. Van Hook (acting)	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine	Craig M. Wolff (acting)	February 17, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland	Kelly O. Hayes	March 3, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts	Leah Foley	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan	Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. (interim)	May 2, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan	Timothy VerHey (interim)	July 21, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota	Joseph H. Thompson (acting)	June 2, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi	Clay Joyner	March 1, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi	Patrick Lemon (acting)	January 18, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri	Thomas Albus (interim)	August 1, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri	R. Matthew Price (interim)	August 1, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana	Kurt Alme	March 17, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska	Lesley A. Woods (interim)	May 6, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada	Sigal Chattah (acting)	April 1, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire	Erin Creegan (interim)	August 13, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey	Alina Habba (acting)	March 24, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico	Ryan Ellison (acting)	April 18, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York	Joseph Nocella Jr (interim)	May 5, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York	John A. Sarcone III (acting)	March 4, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York	Jay Clayton	April 16, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York	Michael DiGiacomo	February 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina	William Ellis Boyle (interim)	August 7, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina	Clifton T. Barrett (interim)	July 21, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina	Russ Ferguson	March 11, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota	Jennifer Puhl (acting)	February 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio	David M. Toepfer (interim)	July 23, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio	Dominick Gerace II (interim)	August 11, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma	Christopher Wilson	December 26, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma	Clint Johnson	December 26, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma	Robert J Troester	March 1, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon	Scott Bradford (interim)	July 29, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania	David Metcalf	March 12, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania	John C. Gurganus (acting)	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania	Troy Rivetti (acting)	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico	W. Stephen Muldrow	October 4, 2019
U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island	Sara Bloom (acting)	February 18, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina	Bryan P. Stirling (interim)	April 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota	Alison J. Ramsdell	April 22, 2021
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee	Francis M. Hamilton III	April 25, 2022
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee	Robert E. McGuire (acting)	December 8, 2024
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee	Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. (interim)	March 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas	Jay R. Combs (acting)	May 29, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas	Nancy E. Larson (acting)	May 29, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas	Nicholas J. Ganjei	January 29, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas	Justin R. Simmons (interim)	May 30, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah	Felice John Viti (acting)	February 17, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont	Michael P. Drescher (acting)	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands	Adam Sleeper (acting)	April 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia	Erik S. Siebert	January 21, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia	Todd Gilbert (interim)	July 14, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington	Pete Serrano (interim)	August 6, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington	Teal Luthy Miller (acting)	February 13, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia	Randolph J. Bernard (acting)	January 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia	Lisa G. Johnston (acting)	March 3, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin	Richard G. Frohling (acting)	February 20, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin	Chadwick Elgersma (acting)	June 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming	Darin Smith (interim)	August 11, 2025

Controversies and Reforms

The 2006 Dismissals

A significant controversy arose in 2006 concerning the dismissal of several U.S. Attorneys. This led to congressional investigations and debates regarding the politicization of the Justice Department and the independence of U.S. Attorneys.

Legislative Adjustments

In response to the controversy, legislative measures were enacted. The USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005 initially removed the 120-day limit on interim appointments by the Attorney General. However, the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007 reinstated this limit, reinforcing oversight mechanisms.

Executive Office Support

EOUSA's Role

The Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) was established in 1953 to provide administrative support and direction to the 93 U.S. Attorneys' offices nationwide. It facilitates liaison between the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and the field offices.

Administrative Functions

EOUSA's responsibilities include policy development, operational support, budget management, personnel services, and coordination with other federal agencies. It ensures consistency and efficiency across the U.S. Attorneys' offices.

Historical Offices

Dissolved Jurisdictions

Over time, the structure of federal judicial districts has evolved. Several U.S. Attorneys' offices have become defunct due to reorganizations, consolidations, or changes in territorial status. These include offices for districts that no longer exist or have been absorbed into larger jurisdictions.

U. S. Attorney for the District of Michigan (February 24, 1863)
U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of South Carolina (October 2, 1965)
U. S. Attorney for the Western District of South Carolina (October 2, 1965)
U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Illinois (October 2, 1978)
U. S. Attorney for the Panama Canal Zone (March 31, 1982)
U. S. Attorney for the District of Indiana
U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington
United States Attorney for the District of Arkansas
United States Attorney for the Western District of Florida
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Florida
United States Attorney for the District of Georgia
United States Attorney for the District of Illinois
United States Attorney for the Territory of Iowa
United States Attorney for the District of Kentucky
United States Attorney for the District of Louisiana
United States Attorney for the District of Michigan
United States Attorney for the District of Mississippi
United States Attorney for the District of Missouri
United States Attorney for the Territory of New Mexico
United States Attorney for the District of New York
United States Attorney for the District of North Carolina
United States Attorney for the Territory of Dakota
United States Attorney for the District of Ohio
United States Attorney for the District of Oklahoma
United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina
United States Attorney for the District of Tennessee
United States Attorney for the District of Texas
United States Attorney for the District of Virginia
United States Attorney for the District of West Virginia
United States Attorney for the District of Wisconsin
United States Attorney for the District of China (Shanghai) (1928–1937)
United States Attorney for the District of Alaska, Sitka

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References

28 U.S.C. Â§ 541(a).

28 U.S.C. Â§ 541(b).

28 U.S.C. Â§ 541(b)

28 U.S.C. Â§ 541(c).

see generally 28 U.S.C. Â§ 547

A full list of references for this article are available at the United States Attorney Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not reflect the most current legal statutes, appointments, or operational details. It is not a substitute for official government documentation or legal counsel.

This is not legal advice. The information provided herein should not be construed as legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. Always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to specific circumstances.

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

The Federal Prosecutor's Mandate

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Chief Federal Prosecutors

⚖️ Scope of Authority

🌐 National Reach

Historical Foundation 📜

⏳ Origins in 1789

🤝 Integration with DOJ

🏛️ Evolution of Appointments

Appointment Process 🔑

⭐ Presidential Nomination

✅ Senate Confirmation

⏳ Tenure

Core Responsibilities 🎯

👨‍⚖️ Chief Prosecutor

🛡️ Government Advocate

📢 Law Enforcement Leadership

📚 Administrative Head

Current Offices 📍

📋 District Offices

Controversies and Reforms ⚠️

🗣️ The 2006 Dismissals

📜 Legislative Adjustments

Executive Office Support ⚙️

🏢 EOUSA's Role

📊 Administrative Functions

Historical Offices 🕰️

❌ Dissolved Jurisdictions

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Chief Federal Prosecutors

Scope of Authority

National Reach

Historical Foundation

Origins in 1789

Integration with DOJ

Evolution of Appointments

Appointment Process

Presidential Nomination

Senate Confirmation

Tenure

Core Responsibilities

Chief Prosecutor

Government Advocate

Law Enforcement Leadership

Administrative Head

Current Offices

District Offices

Controversies and Reforms

The 2006 Dismissals

Legislative Adjustments

Executive Office Support

EOUSA's Role

Administrative Functions

Historical Offices

Dissolved Jurisdictions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice