NCJ Number
68030
Date Published
1980
Length
91 pages
Annotation
A MODEL MANUAL OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR OFFICES OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL IS PRESENTED TO ASSIST STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL IN FASHIONING THEIR OWN OFFICE MANUALS.
Abstract
A SHORT INTRODUCTION STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF AN OFFICE MANUAL FOR AN ATTORNEY GENERAL IN MANAGING HIS OFFICE AND OUTLINES PROCEDURES FOR DRAFTING AND COMPOSING AN OFFICE MANUAL. THE REMAINDER OF THE REPORT CONSISTS OF THE OUTLINED FORMAT FOR THE OFFICE OF A STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. A CHAPTER ON OFFICE ORGANIZATION EMPHASIZES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT, DRAWS LINES OF AUTHORITY AND STAFF ASSIGNMENTS, IDENTIFIES THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND HIS DEPUTIES, PROVIDES AN ORGANIZATION CHART, AND DESCRIBES THE OPERATION OF LEGAL RESEARCH FACILITIES. A SECTION ON PERSONNEL POLICIES DELINEATES HOURS, HOLIDAYS, AND LEAVE SCHEDULES, DESCRIBES PROVISIONS FOR PAY, TRAVEL, AND ATTENDANCE AT PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES, FORMULATES EMPLOYEE RIGHTS TO REPRESENTATION THROUGH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS, AND LAYS DOWN RULES FOR CONTACTS WITH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS. THE NEXT CHAPTER DESCRIBES PROVISIONS FOR WORKLOAD ANALYSIS AND TIME REPORTING. NEXT, PROCEDURES FOR THE ROUTING, ASSIGNMENT, CONTROL, FILING, FORM AND STYLE OF CORRESPONDENCE ARE RECOMMENDED. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION, REVIEW AND RELEASE, AND FILING AND PUBLICATION OF LEGAL OPINIONS ARE OUTLINED. LITIGATION PROCEDURES THAT SHOULD BE DESCRIBED IN AN OFFICE MANUAL INCLUDE INTIATING ACTIONS, INTERVENTION OR SUPPRESSION, APPEALS, POSTCONVICTION PROCEEDINGS, EXTRADITION, AND SPECIAL PROCEDURES IN PROSECUTION. ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE AND SPECIAL LITIGATION ARE BEST OUTLINED IN RELATION TO CONTACTS AND LEASES, COLLECTIONS AND BONDS AND INVESTMENTS. A MANUAL'S CONCLUDING SECTION SHOULD LIST AND DESCRIBE THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OF WHICH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS A MEMBER.