Solicitor General

A solicitor general or solicitor-general, in common law countries, is usually a legal officer who is the chief representative of a regional or national government in courtroom proceedings. In systems that have an attorney-general (or equivalent position), the solicitor general is often the second-ranked law officer of the state and a deputy of the attorney-general. The extent to which a solicitor general actually provides legal advice to or represents the government in court varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and sometimes between individual office holders in the same jurisdiction. List Solicitors General include the following: Australia In Australia the role of the Solicitor-General is as the second law officer after the Attorney-General. At federal level, the position of Solicitor-General of Australia was created in 1916 and until 1964 was held by the secretary of the Attorney-General's Department. It has always been held by a public servant. At state (and prior to 1901, colonial) level, the position has existed since the granting of self-government in the 19th century, and until the early 20th century was held by a member of parliament. During the 20th century there have been significant changes to the role, becoming increasingly independent and non-political to balance the increasing political engagement of the Attorney-General. Criminal litigation has largely been devolved to the various Directors of Public Prosecution. The Solicitor-General provides legal advice to the executive and represents the relevant government in court proceedings, particularly in constitutional matters. Solicitor-General of Australia Solicitor-General of the Australian Capital Territory Solicitor General for New South Wales Solicitor-General of the Northern Territory Solicitor-General of Queensland Solicitor-General of South Australia Solicitor-General of Tasmania Solicitor-General of Victoria Solicitor-General of Western Australia Canada Solicitor General of Canada, a role now performed by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Solicitor General of Ontario, responsible for police and other law enforcement agencies in the province of Ontario