Department+of+Justice+DZ

=  Department of Justice =

**Mission Statement: ** 
To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. **Current Leaders: **
 * Attorney General: Eric H. Holder Jr**.

Issue: Combating Terrorism
Articles: -**“Saudi Arabia is prime source of terror funds, U.S. says” by Josh Meyer LA Times April 02, 2008.** Summary: The Saudis continue to be the world’s leading source of money for Al Qaeda despite explicit requests made by U.S. officials to stop funding. Stuart A. Levey, an undersecretary to the the Treasury, describes the frustrations of the U.S. in trying to convince the Saudi government to take “important steps to go after those who finance terrorist organizations.” A new office was created in 2004 by the Bush administration to spearhead the campaign to cut off such funding, called the Treasury’s Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. U.S. officials claim that international support for the effort has since weakened and that terrorists continue to dodge sanctions and acquire funding. -“**Penalty for Crossing an Al Qaeda boss? A nasty memo” by Sebastian Rotella LA Times April 16, 2008.** Summary: Documents were recently discovered that reveal a different internal culture of the Al Qaeda that isn’t quite as cut throat and merciless as we may have thought. An underling who was found stealing money and a car from the organization was subject to a wordy memo, not torture or death. The Al Qaeda seems very wrapped up in paperwork and fiscal tightness. Also, the article details how insubordination was quite prevalent within the ranks of the terrorists. This brings us to question the loyalty and cohesion of these terrorists. -**“Combating Terrorism with Commercial Technology:** **2009 Force Protection Equipment Demonstration by PRNewswire April 21,2009** Summary: Thousands of commercially available counter terrorism items and deterrents will be on exhibition at the Stafford Regional Airport in Stafford, VA from May 19-21. The survivability and durability of such items under live fire and high explosives will observed on ranges at Quantico Marine Corps Base. These products are supposed to reduce vulnerability to many different terrorist threats and to increase the security of U.S. and allied soldiers and infrastructure. Products will include ground robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, seismic and infrared sensors, k-9 demonstrations, and night-vision equipment.

Budget:


This is the budget breakdown based on the FY 2008 Summary of the Department of Justice. Breakdown: -Law Enforcement: $11,100 -Litigation: $2,800 -Prison/Detention: $6,600 -State and Local Assistance: $2,400 -Other: $360 Source: http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/bs/2008citizens-report.pdf

The Department of Justice originally began as a single person, the Attorney General, which was a part time job. His job was to give legal advice to Congress and the President. The job quickly grew and by 1867 Congress deemed it necessary to create an entire office of around the Attorney General. Despite some setbacks due to the impeachment of Andrew Jackson, the office was finally created and passed into law in 1870. The Department of Justice began to take on tasks when the Interstate Commerce Act was passed, granting the Federal Government some law enforcement responsibilities. It has since taken on issues including: prostitution rings, sexual battery, sexual abuse of children, and failure to make mandatory conflict of interest disclosures.