Merrick Garland

Merrick Brian Garland (born November 13, 1952) is an American lawyer and government official who has served as the 86th Attorney General of the United States since June 2021 under President Joe Biden. Before his appointment as Attorney General, Garland served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, one of the nation's most influential federal courts, since 1997. He is known for his legal expertise, judicial restraint, and nonpartisan approach to justice. Garland previously served as Deputy Attorney General and as Solicitor General of the United States under President Barack Obama. His legal career has been characterized by a commitment to civil rights, national security, and the rule of law. Born in Chicago and educated at Harvard Law School, Garland was also involved in the investigation of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing as a federal prosecutor. As Attorney General, he has overseen the Justice Department's work on major issues including voting rights, cybersecurity threats, and investigations into significant national events. Garland's appointment was seen as a restoration of the Justice Department's political independence after the contentious tenure of his predecessor.