Merrick Garland: The 86th Attorney General of the United States
Background and Early Career
Merrick Brian Garland was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 13, 1952. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College in 1974 and his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1977. After graduating, Garland clerked for Judge Henry Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Justice William Brennan of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judicial Career
In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed Garland to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He served as a judge on the court for 24 years, earning a reputation for his intellect, fairness, and impartiality.
Attorney General of the United States
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Garland to serve as Attorney General of the United States. Garland was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 10, 2021, by a vote of 70-30. He was sworn into office the following day.
As Attorney General, Garland has overseen a number of high-profile cases, including the investigation into the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack and the ongoing prosecution of former Trump White House officials.
Key Priorities
Garland has identified several key priorities for his tenure as Attorney General, including:
- Advancing racial justice
- Protecting civil rights
- Combating violent crime
- Restoring public trust in the Department of Justice
Garland has taken steps to address these priorities through various initiatives, such as expanding hate crime prosecutions, launching a new civil rights enforcement unit, and providing additional resources to law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
Merrick Garland is a highly respected jurist and public servant. His appointment as Attorney General of the United States was met with widespread praise from both sides of the aisle. Garland has a long record of commitment to justice and equality, and he has pledged to use his position to make a positive impact on the lives of all Americans.
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