Define: Law Officer

A law officer typically refers to a legal professional who is responsible for enforcing and upholding the law within a specific jurisdiction. Law officers may include various roles, such as police officers, sheriffs, constables, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, and other individuals involved in the administration of justice. Their duties and responsibilities may vary depending on their specific role and jurisdiction, but generally involve enforcing laws, investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, representing the government or public in legal proceedings, interpreting and applying laws, and ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice. Law officers play a critical role in maintaining public safety, protecting individual rights, and upholding the rule of law within society.

Collective term for the Attorney-General (see: Attorney-general) and the Solicitor General (see: Solicitor-general), who are the Government’s primary legal advisers and formal heads of the Bar (see: Bar). These posts are ministerial, and the Law Officers will head a (large) Government department. Therefore they are considered to be of ‘cabinet rank’ (i.e., very senior in the Government) but the Law Officers are not cabinet ministers as such.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.