The appointment of special counsels has become a routine procedure for the Justice Department in recent months as several investigations into high-profile politicians and figures related to everything from classified documents to foreign business dealings continue to play out.
Since November 2022, three special counsels have been appointed to four cases, two of which pertain to former President Donald Trump and one each belonging to President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden.These appointments have renewed the public's attention to the role that these prosecutors play in widely known investigations such as these.
Special counsels still must adhere to DOJ regulations, procedures, and policies, but they have greater day-to-day autonomy compared to U.S. attorneys.Who are appointed special counsels? Most recently, Garland appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss after the Delaware prosecutor requested the authority earlier this week. Weiss, who was appointed by Trump, is investigating Hunter Biden for tax evasion and possessing a gun while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Robert Hur is the third special counsel, who is in charge of the investigation into President Joe Biden's alleged mishandling of classified documents. Hur and Biden's attorneys are reportedly negotiating the parameters for a sit-down interview with the president.Special counsels are provided with a budget and can request outside attorneys to help with their cases. Special counsels are also empowered to bring down indictments, as well as issue subpoenas and search warrants.
Garland said on Friday that"in his judgment, [Weiss's] investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work as special counsel, and he asked to be so appointed."
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