by The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Law: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Readers, in this article, we’ll explore the New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Law, its responsibilities, and the crucial role it plays in protecting the public. The Division of Law is the second-largest law firm in the state, with over 400 attorneys dedicated to enforcing the law and defending the interests of New Jersey residents.
The Attorney General, who appoints the Division of Law’s director, oversees it. The Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer and advises the Governor and other state officials. Together, the Attorney General and the Division of Law work to ensure that justice is served and that the laws of New Jersey are upheld.
Role and Responsibilities
Legal Representation and Litigation
The Division of Law represents the state in all legal matters, including both civil and criminal cases. It defends state agencies, officials, and employees in lawsuits and prosecutes individuals accused of violating state laws. The Division also provides legal advice to the Governor, the Legislature, and other state agencies.
Law Enforcement and Investigations
The Division of Law works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes that affect the state, such as organized crime, terrorism, and environmental violations. It also provides legal guidance to law enforcement officers and assists in the training of prosecutors and police officers.
Policy and Legislation
The Division of Law plays a key role in developing and drafting legislation. It works with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure that proposed laws are constitutional and in the best interests of the state. The Division also provides legal advice on the interpretation and application of existing laws.
Structure and Organization
Bureaus and Sections
The Division of Law is divided into several bureaus and sections, each responsible for a specific area of law. The bureaus include the Civil Rights Bureau, the Criminal Justice Bureau, the Environmental Protection Bureau, and the Taxation Bureau. The sections include the Appellate Section, the Business and Labor Section, and the Tort Litigation Section.
Regional Offices
The Division of Law has regional offices located throughout the state to provide legal services and support to local governments and residents. The regional offices are located in Newark, Trenton, Camden, and Atlantic City.
Table: Division of Law Bureaus and Responsibilities
| Bureau | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Civil Rights Bureau | Enforces civil rights laws and protects against discrimination |
| Criminal Justice Bureau | Prosecutes criminal cases and provides legal guidance to law enforcement |
| Environmental Protection Bureau | Enforces environmental laws and protects natural resources |
| Taxation Bureau | Represents the state in tax matters and collects taxes |
| Appellate Section | Handles appeals of lower court decisions and represents the state before the Supreme Court |
| Business and Labor Section | Enforces consumer protection laws and represents the state in labor disputes |
| Tort Litigation Section | Represents the state in tort cases and defends against lawsuits for damages |
Conclusion
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Law is a critical part of the state’s justice system. It provides legal representation, investigates crimes, develops policies, and assists in the enforcement of state laws. The Division of Law helps to protect the rights of citizens, ensure justice, and maintain the rule of law in New Jersey. For more information, visit the Division of Law’s website or contact your local regional office.
FAQ about NJ Attorney General, Division of Law
What is the Division of Law?
The Division of Law represents the State of New Jersey, its agencies, and residents in legal matters, providing legal advice, representation in court, and drafting legislation.
What types of legal services does the Division of Law provide?
The Division handles a wide range of legal issues, including:
- Civil litigation
- Criminal prosecutions
- Environmental protection
- Antitrust enforcement
- Tax matters
Who can receive legal services from the Division of Law?
The Division primarily provides legal services to state agencies and officials. In some cases, it may also provide assistance to local governments or private citizens.
How do I contact the Division of Law?
You can contact the Division of Law by calling (609) 984-3100 or emailing lawinfo@law.njoag.gov.
What is the role of the Attorney General?
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of New Jersey. The Attorney General leads the Division of Law and represents the state in legal matters.
How do I file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office?
You can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at https://www.nj.gov/oag/justicematters/complaint.html.
What is the Division of Civil Rights?
The Division of Civil Rights enforces New Jersey’s civil rights laws, including those prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and disability.
What is the Division of Consumer Affairs?
The Division of Consumer Affairs protects New Jersey consumers from fraud, scams, and other unfair business practices.
What is the Division of Law Enforcement?
The Division of Law Enforcement investigates and prosecutes criminal activity in New Jersey.
What is the Division of Gaming Enforcement?
The Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates and monitors the gaming industry in New Jersey.
