What is a primary function of the Department of Justice?

The primary function of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is to enforce federal laws and ensure the fair administration of justice. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that include investigating and prosecuting federal offenses, overseeing federal law enforcement agencies, and ensuring that justice is meted out fairly and impartially throughout the legal system. The DOJ also plays a critical role in protecting the rights of individuals and upholding the rule of law, which is essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system.

While providing legal counsel to defendants is a function of legal representation, it is not a primary role of the DOJ; rather, the department focuses on upholding the law through enforcement. The creation of new laws for local jurisdictions falls outside the purview of the DOJ, as lawmaking is typically the responsibility of legislative bodies. Lastly, while the DOJ does handle a significant number of criminal cases, claiming it prosecutes all criminal cases nationwide overstates its role, as many cases are prosecuted at state and local levels. Hence, the correct and complete understanding of the DOJ’s primary function points to its responsibility in law enforcement and ensuring justice.