What is the primary function of the Department of Justice?

The primary function of the Department of Justice is to enforce federal laws and administer justice. This encompasses a broad array of responsibilities, including investigating and prosecuting federal crimes, ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice, and providing legal advice and support to other government agencies.

In executing its role, the Department addresses issues ranging from criminal prosecutions to civil rights protections, promoting public safety, and upholding the rule of law. It includes various agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which help to enforce laws against specific types of crime.

The other options focus on narrower or different scopes of authority. For instance, overseeing state law enforcement pertains primarily to state governments, and while the Department can support and coordinate with state law enforcement on certain matters, it does not directly oversee them. Providing legal counsel to the President is a function fulfilled by the Office of the Attorney General within the Department, but it is not the primary mission. Regulating interstate commerce falls under the responsibility of the Commerce Department and other federal regulatory agencies, not the Department of Justice. Therefore, the emphasis of the Department is indeed on enforcing federal laws and administering justice across the nation.