Department of Justice and Its Wide Range of Practice Areas
While crime rates may fluctuate over time, the Department of Justice (DOJ) remains crucial to address and prevent crime effectively by enforcing laws and upholding the principles of justice.
Especially when the concerning surge in crime rates has emerged as a pressing global issue, it is not all that DOJ does.
The DOJ oversees various justice aspects, including criminal division, civil rights division, antitrust division, environmental and natural resources division, tax division, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This blog highlights the diverse practice areas within the Department of Justice and their significance in maintaining a just and equitable society.
Department of Justice and Its Judiciary
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is a federal executive department in the United States government responsible for enforcing federal laws, representing the government in legal matters, and administering justice fairly.
Led by the Attorney General, the DOJ supervises the FBI, DEA, and ATF to combat federal crimes ranging from terrorism to drug trafficking, protects civil rights, and investigates and prosecutes cases of discrimination and civil rights violations.
Additionally, the DOJ provides legal counsel to the government, defends federal laws and policies in court, and engages in international cooperation to combat transnational crime.
It also advocates for criminal justice reforms and promotes fairness within the system.
Top 6 Divisions of the Department of Justice
Here are the obligatory divisions of the Department of Justice where the law gets practiced.
1. Criminal Division
The Criminal Division is a department within a government’s legal system that is responsible for the prosecution of crime breaches and the enforcement of criminal laws.
It investigates and prosecutes federal crimes, including fraud, corruption, organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and terrorism.
Attorneys in this division work closely with federal law enforcement agencies, like the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), to gather evidence, build cases, and bring offenders to justice.
In 2019, the criminal division’s prosecution of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and the Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficking networks reduced drug-related violence and crime in America.
It puts tireless efforts to help safeguard public safety, protect national security, and maintain the justice system’s integrity.
Responsibilities of Criminal Division
· It aids in prosecuting criminal offenses, reviewing evidence, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, and presenting cases in court.
· It provides legal advice and guidance to law enforcement agencies such as police on matters related to criminal law.
· It evaluates and determines charging decisions.
· It prepares trial and court representation by interviewing witnesses and making legal arguments.
· It engages in plea negotiations and agreements to streamline the criminal justice system.
· It ensures the safety and well-being of crime victims.
· Research and develop policy on case law, statutes, and legal principles.
2. Civil Rights Division
The Civil Rights Division commits to upholding and enforcing civil rights laws to ensure equal treatment and protection for all citizens.
It focuses on eliminating discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, and national origin.
The Civil Rights Division aims to create a more inclusive and just society by pursuing legal actions and promoting policies that protect civil rights.
Moreover, this division also investigates cases involving hate crimes, police misconduct, voting rights violations, and discrimination in housing, education, and employment.
Recently, Microsoft has been fined pay $20 million civil penalty for alleged violations of children’s privacy laws.
Responsibilities of the Civil Rights Division
· It safeguards the fundamental infrastructure of democracy.
· It investigates civil rights violations, including hate crimes, police misconduct, and discrimination cases.
· It enforces federal civil rights laws and ensures compliance.
· It promotes and enforces disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
· It focuses on crimes based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity, and disability.
· It addresses LGBTQ+ rights and deals with discrimination.
· It protects voting rights and resists voter suppression.
· It conducts educational and outreach efforts to promote awareness of civil rights laws and protections.
3. Antitrust Division
The Antitrust Division plays a crucial role in promoting fair competition and preventing monopolistic practices in the marketplace.
It protects consumers’ interests by investigating and prosecuting anti-competitive behavior, such as price fixing, bid rigging, and illegal mergers.
In 1984, the antitrust division’s intervention in the United States v. AT&T case led to the breakup of AT&T’s monopoly, promoting competition and innovation in the telecommunications industry.
This division also reviews proposed mergers and acquisitions to ensure they do not result in unfair market dominance.
Through its enforcement actions, the Antitrust Division maintains a level playing field for businesses, fosters innovation, and safeguards consumer welfare.
Responsibilities of the Antitrust Division
· It enforces antitrust laws to promote fair competition and protect consumers.
· It reviews mergers and acquisitions to prevent anti-competitive effects.
· It conducts investigations into alleged antitrust violations.
· It litigates cases in federal courts to enforce antitrust laws and seek remedies.
· It provides guidance and recommendations on antitrust matters.
· It collaborates with international antitrust agencies for consistent enforcement.
· It conducts consumer education and outreach programs to promote awareness of antitrust laws and practices.
4. Environmental and Natural Resources Division
The Environmental and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) focuses on legal and policy matters related to environmental and natural resource management.
If you are wondering, it helps conduct litigation under federal statutes enacted to protect the environment.
Attorneys in this division enforce federal environmental laws, including those related to air and water quality, wildlife protection, hazardous waste disposal, and land conservation.
In 1991, the Environmental and Natural Resources Division resolved the Exxon Valdez oil spill case by securing a $100 million settlement and coordinating environmental restoration efforts.
Moreover, this division defends the government’s environmental policies and decisions in court. It also handles cases involving ecological crimes, pollution, and violations of environmental regulations.
By safeguarding the environment, the division promotes sustainability and ensures the well-being of present and upcoming generations.
Responsibilities of the Environmental and Natural Resources Division
· It legally represents and counsels environmental and natural resource management agencies.
· It handles litigation and legal disputes related to environmental issues.
· It participates in policy development and formulation of environmental regulations.
· It enforces environmental laws through investigations, settlements, and legal actions.
· It advises on and participates in the management of natural resources.
· It collaborates with other agencies and organizations to address environmental challenges.
· It conducts legal research and provides advice on emerging environmental issues.
· It advocates for environmental protection through legislative processes and public outreach.
5. Tax Division
The Tax Division is responsible for enforcing federal tax laws and prosecuting individuals or entities that engage in tax fraud, evasion, or other illegal taxation-related activities.
Attorneys in this division work closely with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to investigate and prosecute cases involving tax evasion, offshore tax shelters, identity theft, and fraudulent tax schemes.
The division also provides legal guidance to the government on tax-related matters and represents the government in tax-related litigation.
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act implemented in 2017, Tax Division reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% in the United States.
Through its efforts, the Tax Division helps maintain the tax system’s integrity and ensures everyone pays their fair share.
Responsibilities of the Tax Division
· Ensure tax compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
· Develop tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities.
· Prepare and file accurate tax returns.
· Respond to tax audits and investigations.
· Maintain proper tax accounting and records.
· Resolve tax disputes and represent the organization if needed.
· Conduct tax research and analysis.
· Provide internal tax advisory services.
· Manage tax-related risks.
· Develop tax strategies and policies aligned with business objectives.
6. Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary investigative agency of the United States Department of Justice. It serves as a domestic intelligence and federal law enforcement agency.
This division involves protecting the country against terrorism and foreign intelligence threats, enforcing federal laws, and providing leadership and support to other law enforcement agencies.
The FBI conducts investigations, gathers intelligence, and combats various crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, corruption, and violent offenses.
The FBI solved the Boston Marathon bombing case on April 19, 2013, by identifying and capturing the perpetrators, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, with their relentless pursuit and collaborative efforts.
Moreover, it also collaborates with domestic and international partners to fulfill its mission, using techniques like surveillance, interviews, forensics, and undercover operations.
Responsibilities of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
· Counterterrorism and preventing acts of terrorism.
· It counters foreign intelligence operations and protects national security.
· It investigates and combats various federal crimes.
· It addresses cybersecurity threats and investigates cybercrimes.
· It ensures civil rights enforcement and combating hate crimes.
· It collects and analyzes intelligence for national security and criminal investigations.
· It collaborates with law enforcement agencies and international partners.
· It engages in public outreach and educates citizens about security and crime prevention.
Conclusion
The Department of Justice stands as the guardian of justice, defending the rights of individuals and upholding the rule of law.
Each division plays a vital role in shaping society, from prosecuting criminals to combating discrimination, promoting fair competition, and safeguarding the environment.
With unwavering dedication and professionalism, the DOJ’s diverse practice areas ensure a brighter future where every person’s rights are protected and valued.
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