About Us
The United States Department of Justice has been called "the largest law firm in the world" and "the people's law firm." The U.S. Attorney represents the Department of Justice in Idaho, enforcing federal law to ensure the health and safety of Idaho's citizens.
The Department of Justice is headed by the Attorney General, the nation's top legal officer. Under the Attorney General are 94 federal districts encompassing the 50 states and four territories, each served by a U.S. Attorney. U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, and serve directly under the Attorney General. The U.S. Attorney is the highest-ranking official of the Department of Justice in Idaho.
Many states have more than one federal district - and therefore more than one U.S. Attorney - and some have as many as four. The entire state of Idaho, however, with its 83,000 square miles and nearly 1.5 million people, is one federal district, with one U.S. Attorney.
The U.S. Attorney should not be confused with the Idaho State Attorney General, whose responsibilities encompass state law. The U.S. Attorney prosecutes federal crimes, enforces federal law on Indian Reservations and federal facilities, enforces civil statutes and defends the United States against lawsuits. The United States Attorney, however, does not generally represent individuals in private litigation.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho has about 59 employees, including 25 lawyers who are called Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). The U.S. Attorney's main office is located in Boise, with branch offices in Pocatello and Coeur d'Alene.