Office of the Attorney General, Human and Natural Division 1979-1990

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

Summary

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

Background

Scope and content:

This series documents major litigation and claims of historical value representing the Commonwealth, its agencies and personnel, before all state and federal courts. May include pleadings, supporting documentation, legal briefs, transcripts, evidentiary exhibits, memoranda, and correspondence.

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 31849, transferred 11/25/1983.

Accession 33922, transferred 03/07/1991.

Accession 33923, transferred 03/07/1991.

Accession 34386, transferred 02/11/1993.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in original order.

Physical description:
44 cu. ft. (44 boxes)