The Justice Manual is prepared under the supervision of the Attorney General and direction of the Deputy Attorney General. The Deputy Attorney General has delegated authority to the Justice Manual’s Editor-in-Chief to authorize changes to the Justice Manual. The Justice Manual’s Managing Editor oversees coordination of the revision of the Justice Manual under the direction of the Editor-in-Chief.

When the Justice Manual conflicts with earlier DOJ statements of policy or procedure, the Justice Manual controls. Any questions about the controlling internal policy or procedure should be directed to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General.

The Justice Manual provides internal DOJ guidance. It is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter, civil or criminal. Nor are any limitations hereby placed on otherwise lawful litigation prerogatives of DOJ.

[updated March 2024]