The constitutional office of the Attorney general, as chief law officer of the state, has the responsibility to see that the laws of the California are uniformly and adequately enforced. This responsibility is fulfilled through the diverse programs of the Department of Justice.

The Department of Justice is responsible for providing skillful and efficient legal services on behalf of the people of California. The Attorney General represents the people in all matters before the Appellate and Supreme Courts of California and the United States; serves as legal counsel to state officers, boards, commissioners and departments; represents the people in actions to protect the environment and to enforce consumer, antitrust, and civil laws; and assist district atorneys in the administration of justice. The Department also coordinates efforts to address the statewide narcotic enforcement problem; assists local law enforcement in the investigation and analysis of crimes; provides person and property identification and information services to criminal justice agencies; supports the telecommunications and data processing needs of the California criminal justice community; and pursues projects designed to protect the people of California from fraudulent, unfair, and illegal activities.

Since department programs drive the need for infrastructure investment, each department has a related capital outlay program to support this need. For the specifics on the Department of Justice's Capital Outlay Program see "Infrastructure Overview."