By rule of law... (history of JAG)

A brief history of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General 1859-2009

When the colony of Queensland was signed into law into 1859, Attorney-General was one of only four positions designated by the Colonial Office, making the Department of Justice and Attorney-General as old as Queensland itself.

Published in 2009, these pages are an overview of the department’s contribution to 150 years of Queensland’s rich history and the diverse range of services it provides which have helped to build a safe, just and supportive society.

This history cannot be looked at in isolation and it must be noted that events at a national, and even international level, have invariably shaped the department and its services. As such, ‘By rule of law – a brief history of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’ details the department’s evolution within this broader context, highlighting key achievements and colourful anecdotes throughout it history to date.

The department thanks and acknowledges the efforts of former staff member and historian, Paul Le Clercq, in researching and collating the information, images and anecdotes within these pages.