solicitor general: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal
Quick answer
What does “solicitor general” mean?
A high-ranking legal officer, typically the second-highest law officer of a government, responsible for representing the state in court, especially in higher appellate courts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-ranking legal officer, typically the second-highest law officer of a government, responsible for representing the state in court, especially in higher appellate courts.
The specific role and powers vary by jurisdiction. In the UK and some Commonwealth countries, the Solicitor General assists the Attorney General. In the US, the Solicitor General is an officer of the Department of Justice responsible for conducting and supervising Supreme Court litigation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the Solicitor General is a political appointee and a Member of Parliament who assists the Attorney General. In the US, the Solicitor General is a permanent civil servant within the Department of Justice, focused on appellate advocacy before the Supreme Court.
Connotations
In the UK, the role carries significant political and parliamentary implications. In the US, the role is highly prestigious within the legal profession, known for exceptional advocacy and influence on federal law.
Frequency
The term is more commonly encountered in news and legal discourse in the US due to the high-profile nature of Supreme Court cases.
Grammar
How to Use “solicitor general” in a Sentence
Solicitor General of [Country/State]the Solicitor General, [Name], argued that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside of major regulatory or state litigation contexts.
Academic
Common in legal studies, political science, and constitutional history texts.
Everyday
Very rare; typically only encountered in news reports about high-profile court cases.
Technical
Core term in legal and governmental discourse, specifying a precise constitutional or statutory office.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “solicitor general”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “solicitor general”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “solicitor general”
- Using lower case when referring to the specific office ('solicitor general' vs 'Solicitor General').
- Confusing with 'Attorney General' (the senior role).
- Using it as a generic term for any government lawyer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Attorney General is usually the head of a justice department and the chief legal advisor to the government. The Solicitor General is typically subordinate, specializing in appellate court advocacy.
In the US, the Solicitor General is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. In the UK, the Solicitor General is a political appointee, usually an MP, chosen by the Prime Minister.
No. The office exists in countries with a common law tradition inherited from Britain, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, but its powers and prominence vary significantly.
While the role is focused on the highest appellate court, the Solicitor General (or deputies) may occasionally argue important cases in lower courts, especially if they are of great significance to the government.
A high-ranking legal officer, typically the second-highest law officer of a government, responsible for representing the state in court, especially in higher appellate courts.
Solicitor general is usually formal, legal in register.
Solicitor general: in British English it is pronounced /səˌlɪs.ɪ.tə ˈdʒen.rəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˌlɪs.ə.t̬ɚ ˈdʒen.ɚ.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SOLICITOR who deals with GENERAL matters of state law, not private clients.
Conceptual Metaphor
The government's voice in the highest court.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the US Solicitor General?