The Department of Justice enforces the nation's federal laws, prosecutes federal crimes, and represents the United States government in court. Led by the Attorney General, it oversees agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Prisons, and serves as the federal government's chief legal advisor and litigator.
Created by Congress under the Act to Establish the Department of Justice (ch. 150, 16 Stat. 162; codified at 28 U.S.C. § 501 et seq. (Attorney General as head, § 503)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
