Identity and Appointment of the Former Attorney General
The most recent former Attorney General of the United States was Merrick Brian Garland. He was nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate on March 10, 2021, with a bipartisan vote of 70-30. Garland brought over four decades of legal experience to the role, including service as a federal judge and as head of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division. His appointment marked a return to a traditionally nonpartisan leadership style at the Justice Department.
Prior to his confirmation, Garland served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for nearly three decades. He was previously considered for the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2016. The Senate confirmation process focused on his judicial record and commitment to the rule of law. Garland succeeded Jeff Sessions, whose tenure ended on January 20, 2021.
Major Responsibilities and Key Actions
As the nation's chief law enforcement officer, the former Attorney General oversaw all federal prosecutions and the enforcement of federal statutes. Garland prioritized the independence of the Justice Department and the protection of civil rights. He issued a memorandum on the first day in office to restore trust in the department's impartiality. He also emphasized the importance of addressing violent crime and supporting federal prosecutors.
A significant focus was on the enforcement of laws related to public corruption and domestic violent extremism. Garland supervised the investigation into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, appointing a special counsel to handle certain aspects of the probe. He also directed the department to review policies from the previous administration, including those related to immigration and corporate mergers. The department's budget for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $37 billion, reflecting its vast operational scope https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-garland-announces-fiscal-year-2023-department-justice-budget-request.
Notable Policies and Legacy
Garland's tenure was defined by a focus on institutional norms and a methodical approach to high-profile legal matters. He established the Task Force on Criminal Justice to review sentencing policies and promote fairness. The department also took steps to reform policing practices through pattern-or-practice investigations into unconstitutional conduct by law enforcement agencies. These actions aimed to rebuild public confidence in federal law enforcement.
The former Attorney General also addressed national security threats, including cybercrime and foreign interference. He oversaw the creation of the National Security Division's China Initiative successor, focusing on specific theft of trade secrets cases rather than broad-based investigations. His leadership style was often described as low-key and procedural, in contrast to his predecessor. Garland stepped down from the position on January 20, 2025, following the change in administration https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanrappeport/2025/01/20/merrick-garland-leaves-office-as-attorney-general/.
Key Takeaways from the Tenure
Judicial Background and Confirmation
Garland's long career on the appellate bench shaped his approach to the role. His confirmation was one of the most bipartisan in recent history, reflecting his reputation for judicial restraint. He was the oldest person ever confirmed as Attorney General at the time of his appointment.
Focus on Institutional Integrity
A central theme of his leadership was insulating the department