Under the
Constitution of Illinois, the attorney general is the state's chief legal officer, and has the powers and duties prescribed by law. The attorney general's duties include advocating for the people of Illinois, working with the
General Assembly to push for new legislation, and litigating to ensure that state laws are followed. The state's Attorney General Act specifies several duties, including: • Represent the people of Illinois before the
Supreme Court where the state or the people of the state are interested parties • Prosecute all proceedings and actions in favor of the state • Defend state officers acting in their official capacities in any actions or proceedings against them • Consult with and advise the
state's attorneys • Investigate violations of all statutes that the attorney general has a duty to enforce • Advise the governor and other state officers, and give written opinions on legal or constitutional matters when requested • Give written opinions to the
General Assembly or any of its committees when requested • Prepare drafts of contracts in which the state is interested • Attend, present evidence to, and prosecute indictments by the statewide
grand jury • Ensure the proper allocation of funds appropriated to public institutions, and prosecute breaches of trust The attorney general also oversees the
Public Access Counselor, which is responsible for enforcing the state's
Freedom of Information Act and
Open Meetings Act. ==List of attorneys general==