Core Business 1: Promote safe communities for Albertans

Goal 1 - Alberta's communities are safe
Goal 2 - Fair and independent prosecutions

Core Business 2: Facilitate access to justice

Goal 3 - A fair and accessible civil and criminal justice system for Albertans
Goal 4 - Accessible justice services for Albertans
Goal 5 - An innovative, effective and efficient justice system

Core Business 3: Provide legal and strategic services to government

Goal 6 - Strategic legal advice and counsel to government to achieve Government of Alberta outcomes

to achieve their objectives through provision of effective legal and related strategic services

Ministry structure and overview

Prosecutions: The Criminal Justice Division prosecutes persons charged with Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and provincial statute offences. The division promotes safe communities by vigorously prosecuting cases involving serious and violent crime and working with individuals and organizations in the community to identify and implement improved and alternative approaches to the administration of criminal justice. In addition, the division develops criminal law policy for the province and supports criminal law consultation with other levels of government. 

Courts: Alberta Courts are presided over by an independent judiciary. There are three levels of court in the province – the Court of Appeal, the Court of Queen's Bench and the Provincial Court. The Court Services Division provides administrative support to the courts. Court Services also provides policy advice and assistance to the Minister and the Ministry in relation to court issues. Stakeholders of Court Services include the public, the legal profession, law enforcement services, correctional authorities and various service providers.

Justice Services to Albertans: This core business includes Goals 3 and 4. The Ministry promotes fair and equitable access to the civil and criminal justice system by providing a broad range of justice services through the courts, prosecution and appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms. Access to justice also means addressing barriers of access to the justice system by providing legal representation for Albertans who are in need of assistance and by providing Albertans with accurate and up-to-date information to help them increase their awareness and knowledge about the justice system. In addition, services such as maintenance enforcement, estate and trust administration services and legal aid contribute to the preservation of a safe society for Albertans.

Legal and Strategic Services to Government: Civil Law provides legal services to all government ministries and represents them in matters before the courts and tribunals. Constitutional and Aboriginal Law provides specialized services to the government in constitutional and Aboriginal law matters. Legal Research and Analysis provides advice on legislative policy. The Legislative Counsel Office is responsible for drafting government public bills, regulations and Orders in Council.

Organization Chart

Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Office of the Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General

Alberta Justice Boards, Agencies and Commissions:

Alberta Review Board
Fatality Review Board
Judicial Council
Notaries Public Review Committee
Provincial Court Nominating Committee
Rules of Court Committee

Department of Justice:

Communications
Corporate Services
Court Services
Criminal Justice
Human Resource Services
Justice Services
Legal Services
Safe Communities and Strategic Policy