Back Button
Branch Politics Logo

North Carolina Attorney General, Republican Primary

The chief lawyer representing North Carolinians in court

Full office description

  • The Attorney General is the Head of the Department of Justice. They represent North Carolina’s government departments, agencies, and commissions in court. They usually do not prosecute specific crimes – that usually falls to the local District Attorneys.
  • In addition to representing state agencies, the Attorney General can initiate court proceedings on behalf of North Carolina's public interest. For example, the Attorney General may sue corporations whose actions have harmed the public, such as when pharmaceutical companies were sued in response to the opioid crisis.
  • The Attorney General provides legal opinions to the General Assembly, Governor, or other public officials. These opinions are usually the State’s interpretation of certain legal questions presented and do not have the full effect of law or court order.
  • The Attorney General handles all criminal appeals from state trial courts. When a case gets appealed by trial court, the attorney general steps in to represent the state or agencies of the state.
  • The Attorney General is elected for a 4-year term. The position has no term limit.

How this impacts you

  • PolicingThe Attorney General’s Office sets standards for educating police officers, which ultimately determine what sort of training and education police officers receive statewide.

  • Consumer ProtectionThe Attorney General can help protect North Carolina families from scams and consumer fraud. For example, previous administrations have won settlements or restitution for citizens who were victims of scam artists or fraud.

Candidates (1)

A profile picture of Dan Bishop.

Dan Bishop

Read profile

Report an issue

Dan Bishop is running for this race unopposed.Read profile