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Attorney General Chambers

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Roles and functions of the Attorney-General

As the Principal Law Office of the Crown, the Attorney-General’s Chambers is responsible for providing legal advice and representation on behalf of all Ministries and Departments of Government.  The Attorney-General (AG) or their appointee appears for the Crown in all civil cases which must be instituted against the AG, and pursuant to the Crown Proceedings Act the office also institutes civil proceedings on behalf of the Crown.The AG carries out numerous miscellaneous functions and powers. They may initiate or intervene in certain legal proceedings of a public nature, for example:-
  • Those relating to the administration of charities;
  • Under the Patent law, certifies that an application for Letters Patent is legally in order;
  • Institutes enquires in connection with petitions for the grant or revocation of patents, and may make orders as to who should bear the costs;
  • To prevent the continuation of a public nuisance;
  • Institutes proceedings in respect of statutory duties on their own initiative, or on the application of a third party or relator;
  • Take action to restrain a corporation from exceeding its statutory powers;
  • Enforces public rights in an undefined residue of cases;
  • Makes applications pursuant to the Vexatious Actions Act in relation to any person who habitually and persistently and without any reasonable grounds institutes vexatious proceedings.