Although
the role of Attorney General and the Office of the Attorney General evolved
significantly over the past decades, the responsibilities of Attorney General
to maintain peace and security, uphold law, order and justice, and defend public interest is
evident throughout the history of the Maldives. Some of the notable dates from
our history include:
- 1932: The first constitution of the
Maldives establishes the post of Attorney General with clear roles and
responsibilities
- 1950: Attorney General’s Office established as a separate entity, with mandate to undertake investigations except in criminal and political matters
- 1960: The role of Attorney General’s Office revised and all investigation functions are removed
- 1968: The name of the office officially changed to “Attorney General’s Office”
- 1968: Attorney General designated as a member of the Cabinet
- 1978: Mandate of Attorney General’s Office expanded to include providing legal opinion to contracts, agreement, treaties and other legal documents of the government
The
Attorney General’s Office played a key role to support the democratic reforms
initiated by the President since 2000. Our Office also made valuable
contributions to support management of the Maldives Law Commission, established
in January 2002, and the first Law Library of the Maldives, established in
2005.
The new constitution of the Maldives, which came
into force in August 2008, also entrusts specific responsibilities to the role
of Attorney General to uphold rule of law and defend public safety and
interest.