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Duties & Responsibilities by statute

Election and Term

The Attorney General is elected every two years at the same time and manner as other Vermont statewide elected officials. 3 V.S.A. §151.

Scope of Authority

The Attorney General may represent the state in all civil and criminal matters as at common law and as allowed by statute. The Attorney General shall also have the same authority throughout the state as a state's attorney. 3 V.S.A. § 152.

General Powers

The Attorney General shall have the general supervision of criminal prosecutions, shall consult with and advise the state's attorneys in matters relating to the duties of their office, and shall assist them by attending the grand jury in the examination of any case or in the preparation of indictments and informations when, in his judgment, the interests of the state require it. 3 V.S.A. § 153.

Appearance for State

The Attorney General shall appear for the state in the preparation and trial of all prosecutions for homicide and civil or criminal causes in which the state is a party or is interested when, in his judgment, the interests of the state so require. 3 V.S.A. § 157.

Opinions; State Matters and Actions

The Attorney General shall advise the elective and appointive state officers on questions of law relating to their official duties and shall furnish a written opinion of such matters, when so requested. He shall have general supervision of matters and actions in favor of the state and of those instituted by or against state officers wherein interests of the state are involved and may settle such matters and actions as the interests of the state require. 3 V.S.A. § 159.