The rule of law depends upon the evenhanded administration of justice. The legal judgments of the Department of Justice must be impartial and insulated from political influence. It is imperative that the Department’s investigatory and prosecutorial powers be exercised free from partisan consideration. It is a fundamental duty of every employee of the Department to ensure that these principles are upheld in all of the Department’s legal endeavors.

In order to promote the rule of law and to ensure that the Department’s actions are free from the appearance of political influence, this Chapter sets out guidelines to govern all communications between representatives of the Department and representatives of Congress, and procedures intended to implement those guidelines.

[added December 2019]