Office of the Attorney General. 1990-1991

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

Access is restricted to the Office of the Attorney General and those with the written permission of that office. Restrictions will be removed 50 years after the records were received by the Library of Virginia. The request letter and internal related correspondence are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.1 and § 2.2-3705.2, Supreme Court of Virginia Rule 2:501, and are restricted for 50 years. The published opinion and copies of cases and statutes are not restricted and are open to researchers.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Opinions of the Office of the Attorney General, [cite specific date and accession used]. State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va.

Summary

Creator:
Virginia. Office of the Attorney General
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Opinions of the Office of the Attorney General, [cite specific date and accession used]. State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

Official opinions of the Office of the Attorney General, 1990, represent the attorney general’s analysis of current law based on a thorough research of existing statutes, the Virginia and United States constitutions, and relevant court decisions. The official opinions issued by the attorney general are part of the duties of the office (see Code § 2.2-505).Also includes correspondence and background documentation used to form and write opinions. A person authorized by statute, such as the governor, a member of the General Assembly, a constitutional officer, or the head of a state agency, can ask the attorney general for an official opinion on the law.

Biographical / historical:

The Office of the Attorney General originated in medieval England. While representing the king in his courts, the Attorney General gradually assumed the role of legal advisor to the government and all its agencies. In Virginia, the first Attorney General was commissioned in 1643. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 ended the Attorney General's connection with royal authority, but the state constitution adopted that year continued the office under the auspices of the General Assembly.

The constitution adopted in 1851 provided for the popular election of the Attorney General, rendering him independent of all three branches of government. On April 27, 1927, the General Assembly passed a state government reorganization act that created the Department of Law, with the Attorney General serving as the chief executive officer. The Office represents the interests of the Commonwealth in civil cases in which the Commonwealth or any of its agencies or officials is named as a party, and in criminal cases on appeal to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. In cases involving federal law, the Attorney General also represents the Commonwealth's interests. The Office also defends the constitutionality of state laws when they are challenged in court, represents consumers in utility matters before the State Corporation Commission, and collects debts owed to state agencies, hospitals and universities. Additionally, the Attorney General serves as the legal advisor to the Governor and more than 200 state agencies, boards, commissions and institutions. He renders official opinions upon the written request of the Governor, members of the General Assembly, members of the judiciary, state officials, and local constitutional officers.

Acquisition information:

Accession 32710, transferred March 23, 2000.

Accession 32711, transferred March 23, 2000.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in original order.

Physical description:
3 cu. ft. (3 boxes)