The attorney general, established by the territorial act (see Minnesota Statutes 1858, chapter 5, section 68-85), is the chief legal officer for the state and is the legal advisor to all state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, and the general public. The territorial attorney general was appointed in 1849 by President Zachary Taylor.
At statehood in 1858, the voters elected the first state attorney general for a four-year term, as specified in the state constitution (Minnesota Constitution, article 5). Current statutes relating to the attorney general are in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 8. The attorney general is elected by the voters of the state on a partisan ballot. Intra-term vacancies are filled by primary or special election.
The attorney general also serves on the Executive Council and the Land Exchange and Pardon boards. The attorney general and assistant attorneys represent and advise all state agencies, boards, and commissions in matters of civil and criminal law; appear on the state's behalf in federal and state courts; issue formal opinions interpreting statutes; draft legislation and administrative rules; and respond to citizens' questions and concerns with written opinions. The office consists of 21 divisions which offer direct assistance to the public, and which handle cases involving constitutional challenges, affirmative action and human rights complaints, tax and banking law, environmental law, consumer protection matters, criminal prosecutions, antitrust litigation, health and education law, land condemnation and acquisition, energy and utilities regulation, Indian affairs, and various other issues. The attorney general's staff includes deputy attorneys general and assistant attorneys general who are authorized to appear in place of the attorney general before grand juries and in all state courts.
Lori Swanson was elected Attorney General of the State of Minnesota in 2006, and reelected in 2010 and 2014. She was the first woman elected as Minnesota's Attorney General.