Two Truths and a Lie: Department of Justice

The Department of Justice, founded in 1870, exists to uphold the rule of law, keep our nation safe, and protect civil rights. Under the leadership of the Attorney General, the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government and appointed by the President, the DOJ plays an essential role in ensuring justice is served in a manner consistent with their motto “Equal Justice Under Law.” Everyone loves the party game “Two Truths and a Lie.” Can you identify which of the following statements about the Department of Justice is false?

A. The DOJ oversees over 40 major federal agencies.

B. The DOJ is prohibited from working with international law enforcement agencies.

C. The DOJ represents the U.S. in legal matters, including prosecuting criminal cases, defending the government in civil litigation, and prosecuting cases of discrimination.

Let’s take these statements one at a time: 

A. TRUTH! The DOJ oversees over 40 major federal law enforcement agencies and has the authority to direct their operations, management, and policy. Some of the key agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), tasked with enforcing federal law, and investigating federal crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crime, and public corruption; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which enforces our nation’s drug laws and works to combat drug trafficking; the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) which manages the federal prison system; the U.S. Marshals Service, which provides protection for witnesses, apprehends fugitives, and protects the federal judiciary; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), tasked with enforcing laws related to the illegal use and trafficking of firearms and explosives, acts of arson, bombings, and terrorism. 

B. LIE! The DOJ works with international law enforcement agencies—such as INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization), EUROPOL (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation), and foreign governments—to tackle global crime, terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and corruption. The DOJ and foreign agencies can share information, coordinate investigations, and support operations in real time. Intelligence-sharing and cooperation between the DOJ and international agencies is essential to combat terrorism, organized crime, and other threats to global security. 

C. TRUTH! The DOJ represents the federal government in legal matters through its various divisions and agencies. The DOJ’s Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting federal criminal cases. It oversees the work of 94 U.S. Attorney Offices across the U.S. and prosecutes everything from drug trafficking to organized crime. The criminal division also works with the FBI, DEA, and ATF to investigate, build cases, and prosecute these cases in federal courts. The DOJ’s Civil Division represents the U.S. in civil litigation. This division defends the federal government in lawsuits, which include challenges to the legality of government policies, defense of the constitutionality of federal laws and programs, contract disputes, and tort claims. The civil division also pursues civil cases on behalf of the U.S. to enforce federal regulations or laws. Additionally, the civil division brings lawsuits on behalf of the U.S. to recoup money lost through fraud and abuse. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division enforces federal civil rights laws and constitutional rights to protect all Americans from discrimination and ensure equal rights for all citizens. This division works across key areas in education, employment, disability, and housing.

Bottom line: The DOJ represents the U.S. government in a wide range of legal matters, from criminal prosecutions to defending the government in civil cases and upholding civil rights. Its various divisions ensure that the legal interests of the federal government are protected and that justice is served in a variety of legal contexts.