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As chief legal officers for New York state government, attorneys general work on issues that directly impact New Yorkers. This may involve working with legislators and prosecution, investigating fraud or protecting the environment.
Some red state attorneys general argue they must uphold gun control and same-sex marriage ban laws and restrictions, while blue state attorneys general may decline. Such simplistic approaches to the duty to defend may only serve to further confound complex legal questions and leave people unaware.
Letitia James is both the first African-American woman and attorney general in New York state history, having won her election to replace Barbara Underwood in 2018. Prior to being chosen as AG, James served as City Public Advocate of New York City which gave her an outlet to voice resident’s concerns as well as provide oversight over City Hall.
As public advocate, she took action against predatory landlords who harassed tenants and environmental polluters that damaged state resources. Additionally, she pursued corrupt officials and worked to protect people’s privacy rights.
The attorney general serves as chief legal officer and heads up the Department of Law. She represents citizens in important cases that could impact all residents; counsels government agencies and legislatures on legal matters; defends actions or proceedings initiated against the state; and takes on large-scale litigation that affect all.
James took on several issues during her first term, such as slum landlords and the city’s treatment of foster care children. She sued Pepsi for using single-use plastic and challenged how the NYPD treated Black Lives Matter protesters.
Critics claim James is vindictive, while her supporters view her as simply doing her job. James is an aggressive advocate who takes on powerful political opponents and large companies with no fear.
In 2021, James investigated then-Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual assault allegations but he accused her of using the investigation for political gain – an accusation which repeated at his fraud trial which ended up with a record fine of $350 million plus prejudgment interest. James refused to back down from a fight even if it meant taking on one of America’s most corrupt politicians as well as members of Donald Trump’s billionaire family.
Women deserve access to health care that is safe and effective regardless of their racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, income level, immigration status or location. Restrictive policies such as the domestic gag rule and abortion bans can have devastating repercussions for communities of color as well as those struggling economically.
Imagine this: A 12-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted and impregnated, yet cannot access abortion services because there are none within 4,000 miles. This was what inspired me to launch Famalao’an Rights, an initiative fighting for reproductive justice on Guam and beyond.
Advocate for state and local protections that guarantee access to health care, including pregnancy-related services. In particular, protect doctors from extreme state abortion bans or threats of jail time for providing their patients with health care they require.
The New York attorney general’s office oversees a vast range of legal issues affecting all New Yorkers, from consumer complaints and investigation of landlords who exploit tenants to fighting corruption in city agencies. Because it has the ability to prosecute and sue, its actions make powerful adversaries such as the National Rifle Association and now Donald Trump target it for legal action.
James has led her office to win substantial victories on behalf of consumers and whistleblowers during her time as director, including winning over $1.5 billion from drug manufacturers and distributors for their role in the opioid crisis. James also spearheaded efforts for police body cameras within NYPD and passed legislation mandating landlords make necessary repairs on rent-stabilized apartments.
At the same time, she’s made headlines during the past year as she pursued sexual harassment claims against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and now with civil fraud allegations against one of Trump’s key executives who could cost him billions.