The Constitution and the State Attorney General

Unique role and powers of State Attorneys General, with a focus on how the work of an Attorney Generals office relates to both the federal and State constitutions. Issues will include the origins of the office of Attorney General; the function and interpretation of State constitutions (with primary reference to the Constitution of Virginia), especially in relation to the U.S. Constitution; how Attorneys General advance and defend the rights of State residents and the constitutionality of State laws through litigation; and the increasing influence of cooperative multi-State efforts led by Attorneys General and the nationwide injunctions that result. Case studies to illuminate these issues will be taken from areas of significant public interest, such as immigration, health care, gun rights, equality, and redistricting.