What is attorney general? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of attorney general

attorney generalnoun

tổng chưởng lý

/əˌtɜːni ˈdʒenrəl//əˌtɜːrni ˈdʒenrəl/

Where does the word attorney general come from?

The term "Attorney General" can be traced back to medieval England, where the role of the King's Chief Legal Adviser was held by a senior legal official known as the "King's Serjeant at Law." This position evolved over time, and by the 14th century, the King's Serjeant was known as the "Lord Keeper," working alongside the judges in the Court of Common Pleas. However, toward the end of the 15th century, the offices of Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper were merged into one, and the role of the King's Chief Legal Adviser was absorbed into the newly created office of Attorney General. The exact origin of the term "Attorney General" is debated, but some historians believe it may have derived from the Latin term "Attor Genialis," meaning "king's attorney" or "counsel for the king." In any case, the term "Attorney General" was officially adopted by the British Parliament in 1695, and has been used to describe the Chief Legal Adviser to the Government in many common law jurisdictions ever since.

Example of vocabulary attorney generalnamespace

meaning

the most senior legal officer in some countries or states, for example the UK or Canada, who advises the government or head of state on legal matters

meaning

the head of the US Department of Justice and a member of the President’s Cabinet (= a group of senior politicians who advise the President)

Synonyms and related words for attorney general


Comment ()