Solicitor General

Definition

The government official responsible for representing the United States in cases before the Supreme Court. The Solicitor General decides which cases the government will appeal, how to argue them, and often files briefs in cases where the government has a significant interest even if it is not a direct party.

Examples

• •The Solicitor General's office filed the government's brief opposing Hunter's position, defending the Fifth Circuit's ruling that the Double Jeopardy Clause did not bar continued prosecution after the plea agreement was voided.

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