I believe the attorney general or the deputy attorney general has an obligation to follow the law and the Constitution and to give their independent legal advice to the President.

In this quote, Sally Yates asserts the responsibility of the attorney general or deputy attorney general to uphold the law and the Constitution while providing independent legal advice to the President. Yates emphasizes that these legal advisors must act with integrity and independence, without yielding to political pressure, ensuring that their advice is rooted in legal principles rather than political expediency. This statement speaks to the core ethical obligation of these officials to prioritize the rule of law in their counsel to the President.

The origin of this quote comes from Yates’s tenure as the Deputy Attorney General of the United States. Yates, known for her professionalism and commitment to justice, made this statement during her time in the Justice Department. Her views reflect the fundamental role that legal advisors play in maintaining the integrity of government actions and ensuring that decisions, particularly at the highest levels of power, comply with legal and constitutional standards.

Yates’s statement also alludes to the critical distinction between the legal duties of the attorney general and political allegiances. By stressing the importance of independent legal advice, Yates is advocating for a justice system that remains free from political influence, where legal officials are empowered to provide counsel based solely on the law and their professional judgment. This aligns with her reputation for standing up for the rule of law, particularly in situations where political interests may conflict with constitutional principles.

Ultimately, Yates’s quote underscores the ethical responsibility of legal advisors in the highest offices of government. By asserting that the attorney general or deputy attorney general must offer independent and legally grounded advice to the President, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of both the legal system and the country’s democratic institutions, ensuring that the law is followed at all levels of government.