REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

Regulatory Agencies

Government agencies responsible for creating and enforcing regulations in specific policy areas.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

A regulatory agency created by Congress to enforce environmental laws and regulations.

Independent Agencies

Freestanding entities with less control from the chief executive, often directed by boards with set terms.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Agencies that investigate crimes, apprehend offenders, and assist in prosecutions.

U.S. Marshals Service

The oldest federal law enforcement agency, responsible for executing warrants and protecting federal officials.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The primary agency for investigating violations of federal criminal laws, known for the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

A federal agency enforcing laws related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Agency tasked with enforcing federal drug laws and coordinating efforts against drug trafficking.

Attorney General

The chief prosecutor at the federal level, head of the Department of Justice.

Special Prosecutors

Appointed to investigate alleged misconduct by high government officials.

Prosecutorial Discretion

The authority of prosecutors to determine whether to bring charges and what charges to file.

County Sheriffs

Elected local officials responsible for law enforcement in counties.

Legal Profession

The field encompassing the practice of law and the roles of lawyers, paralegals, and legal support staff.

Paralegal

A trained professional who assists attorneys in legal tasks such as drafting documents and preparing cases.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

An exam required for admission to law schools, assessing reading comprehension and logical reasoning.

Jurisdiction

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.

Case Method

A method of legal education involving the study of case law and real-life scenarios.

Socratic Method

A form of teaching based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Ongoing education and training that lawyers undertake to maintain their licensure and keep up to date.

Certification

A formal acknowledgment by a state bar organization that a lawyer has special knowledge and skills in a specific area of law.

Finding a Lawyer

The process of selecting a lawyer, often facilitated by referrals, directories, or advertising.