The constitutional office of the Attorney General, as chief law officer of the state, has the responsibility to see that the laws of 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 attorneys in the administration of justice. The Department provides oversight, enforcement, education, and regulation of California's firearms/dangerous weapon laws; provides evaluation and analysis of physical evidence; regulates legal gambling activities in California; 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.

Effective July 1, 2013, pursuant to the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 2012, the 2013-14 Compliance and Licensing Divisions of the California Gambling Control Commission are transferring to this Department. The 2011-12 and 2012-13 budget information for these functions related to the California Gambling Control Commission are displayed in the California Gambling Control Commission, Organization Code 0855. See Major Program Changes below.