Honors Theses

Advisor

Nancy Martorano Miller

Department

Political Science

Publication Date

Spring 4-2016

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

The state attorneys general (AGs) play a crucial role in government, on both a state and national level. They provide the legal voice of the state in matters ranging from the defense of state laws to consumer protection and, for some, criminal prosecution. The increase in the amount of multistate litigation undertaken by the attorneys general and their growing influence over policy reflect an expansion in the scope of this office. Furthermore, the AG’s office provides an effective record-building platform from which candidates can, and often do, establish campaigns for higher office. The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), a massive settlement with 46 state AGs costing the tobacco industry nearly $250 billion over 25 years, may be a landmark case signaling expansion in both the scope of the office and the tendency of officeholders to run for a higher office. Using an analysis of the number of multistate cases settled during an individual AG’s tenure and their subsequent decision to seek election to a higher office, this research seeks to identify trends and relationships in the office of the state AGs.

Permission Statement

This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.

Keywords

Undergraduate research

Disciplines

Law | Political Science

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