Independent Counsel Provisions
Who the Law Covers and How it Operates
The attorney general of the United States is the only officer designated by statute who may apply for the appointment of an independent counsel. The statutory mechanisms are triggered by the receipt of information by the attorney general alleging violations of any Federal criminal law by one of the persons covered by the Act. If, after conducting a limited review of the matter, the attorney general determines that there are "reasonable grounds to believe that further investigation is warranted," the attorney general applies to a special Federal three-judge panel requesting that the panel appoint an independent counsel.The original intent of…
