As Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen is authorized to give legal opinions to government entities like the Legislature, Governor, State Agencies, District Attorneys, County Corporation Counsel and others.   The Department of Justice serves as the state's law firm and in that capacity the Attorney General is faithful to the advancement of sound legal princples and the rule of law.

Attorney General Van Hollen's approach to giving legal advice is to refrain from political activistism, unlike previous administrations.

In his first two-years, J.B. has issued more opinions that his predecessor did in four years.

Attorney General Van Hollen's approach to giving legal advice is to refrain from political activistism, unlike previous administrations. For too many years the Department of Justice has been used to advance political agendas and this has diminished the integrity of the office.

When J.B. ran for Attorney General, one of his goals was to restore integrity at the Department of Justice. He has done this through a number of avenues, including delivering formal and informal opinions in a non-partisan, professional manner.

Recent Opinions:

• Attorney General Van Hollen issued an opinion explaining that illegal immigrants are not entitled to receive professional licenses.
• Attorney General Van Hollen issued an opinion that barred school districts from transferring a child based solely on race.