New Jersey Attorney General
The Attorney General of New Jersey serves as a critical member of the state's executive cabinet, acting as the chief legal officer for the state. This office is responsible for overseeing the Department of Law and Public Safety, ensuring that state laws are upheld and that the legal interests of the State of New Jersey are protected.
Based at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, the office operates under the authority of the State of New Jersey. The current Attorney General is Jennifer Davenport.
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Key Facts
- Appointment: Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the New Jersey Senate.
- Term: Serves a concurrent term with the Governor, beginning and ending on the third Tuesday of January.
- Succession: Fourth in the line of succession, following the Lieutenant Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the General Assembly.
- Removal: Generally cannot be removed except "for cause" by the Governor or through legislative impeachment.
- Restriction: The individual holding this office cannot simultaneously serve as the Lieutenant Governor.
Governance and Legal Framework
The structure of the Attorney General's office is dictated by the New Jersey State Constitution. Because the term is concurrent with the Governor's, the leadership of the Department of Law and Public Safety typically aligns with the administration's broader policy goals.
Appointment and Tenure
The process for selecting the Attorney General involves a nomination by the Governor, followed by a confirmation vote in the New Jersey Senate. This ensures a system of checks and balances within the executive branch.
Line of Succession
In the event of a vacancy in the state's highest executive offices, the Attorney General is positioned fourth in the order of succession. This ensures continuity of government, although the role is strictly separated from the Lieutenant Governor's office to prevent a conflict of interest.
Historical Evolution of the Office
The office of the Attorney General has evolved significantly from the colonial era to the modern state government.
The Colonial Period
During the colonial era, the role was established to manage the legal affairs of the province. Alexander Griffith served as the first Colonial New Jersey Attorney General from 1704 to 1714. Other notable early figures include Thomas Burnett Gordon, a Scottish emigrant and Chief Justice, and Cortlandt Skinner, the final colonial attorney general who served until 1776.
Post-Independence Development
Following American independence, the method of selection shifted. Early post-independence Attorneys General, such as William Paterson (1776–1783) and Joseph Bloomfield (1783–1792), were elected by the legislature rather than appointed by a governor. This legislative election process continued for several decades before transitioning to the current gubernatorial appointment system.
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Summary of Office Holders
| Era/Period | Notable Holders | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Colonial (1704–1776) | Alexander Griffith, Cortlandt Skinner | Colonial Appointment |
| Early Statehood (1776–mid 1800s) | William Paterson, Aaron Woodruff | Legislative Election |
| Modern Era (Late 1800s–Present) | Stuart Rabner, Gurbir Grewal, Jennifer Davenport | Gubernatorial Appointment |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the New Jersey Attorney General appointed?
The Attorney General is nominated by the Governor of New Jersey and must be confirmed by the New Jersey Senate.
When does the Attorney General's term begin and end?
The term is concurrent with the Governor's, starting on the third Tuesday of January following the election and ending on the third Tuesday following the next election.
Can the Attorney General be removed from office?
The Attorney General can typically only be removed "for cause" by the Governor or through the process of legislative impeachment.
Where is the headquarters of the New Jersey Attorney General located?
The office is headquartered at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, located at 25 Market Street, Trenton, New Jersey.
Who is the current Attorney General of New Jersey?
As of the most recent records, Jennifer Davenport serves as the Attorney General.