Office of the Attorney General of New Brunswick – Fredericton, NB

Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice

Located in the heart of downtown Fredericton at Chancery Place (520 King Street), the Office of the Attorney General represents the highest level of legal administration in the province. The Attorney General serves a dual role: as a member of the executive government (Minister of Justice) and as the chief law officer of the Crown 🏛️. This office is responsible for ensuring the impartial administration of justice and protecting the public interest in New Brunswick.

Mandate and Core Functions

This headquarters oversees the entire provincial justice system, managing functions that are critical to the rule of law:

• Public Prosecution Services: Overseeing the Crown Prosecutors who represent the state in criminal trials across the province.
• Legislative Services: The specialized lawyers here draft all provincial bills and regulations, ensuring they comply with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms before they are presented to the Legislative Assembly.
• Court Administration: Managing the administrative side of the Court of King’s Bench and Provincial Court (staffing, scheduling, and facilities).
• Legal Advice: Acting as the ‘law firm’ for the provincial government, providing legal counsel to all other government departments.

The Chancery Place Facility

Chancery Place is a modern government tower that houses several key ministries. While the Attorney General’s executive offices are here, it is important to note that this is not a courthouse where trials are held (the Justice Building is nearby on Queen Street). Members of the public typically visit this location for administrative inquiries, to access specific government publications, or to attend meetings with policy officials. The building requires visitors to sign in at the security desk in the lobby.