Law, Department of

Agency Web Site: http://www.ag.ny.gov/

Mission

The Department of Law was created in 1926 and is headed by the State Attorney General, who is elected by the people. The Department is responsible for protecting the legal rights of New York State and its citizens by representing the State in litigation and in other legal affairs.

In implementing its constitutional responsibilities, the Department performs a wide range of functions including prosecuting or defending actions and proceedings for or against the State and its departments; prosecuting certain criminal violations of the Labor, Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance laws; investigating and prosecuting other criminal cases at the request of the Governor or the commissioners of State departments; investigating the activities of organized crime; bringing civil and/or criminal actions against polluters, violators of antitrust laws and those who defraud consumers or investors; mediating consumer complaints; and investigating and prosecuting cases of Medicaid fraud.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget recommends $215.3 million All Funds ($98.8 million General Fund; $36.2 million Federal Funds; and $80.2 million Other Funds) for the Department. This is an increase of $6.3 million from 2011-12 and reflects a $2.5 million decrease in the General Fund 2011-12 and an increase of $8.7 million in Other Funds.

The Executive Budget appropriations support a workforce of 1,798 FTEs, an increase of 51 FTEs.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 1/17/2012

Click for additional detailed appropriation tables