Research

• Full Finding Aid
• Overview
• Arrangement
• Administrative History
• Scope and Contents
• Other Finding Aids
• Access Restrictions
• Access Terms

Print PDF  

New York State Department of Law Attorney General's Speech Files

Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources

Overview of the Records

Arrangement

Chronological.

18572-07: Alphabetical.

Administrative History

The attorney general acts affirmatively to protect the public against unfair business practices, investment fraud and phony charitable solicitations; and to protect the environment and the public health against polluters. The office also defends the civil and human rights of New Yorkers and safeguards the rights of wage earners and injured employees.

It is responsible for protecting prospective purchasers of co-ops and condominiums by reviewing the seller's offering literature. Its authority includes the bringing of criminal prosecutions against persons who fix prices or engage in other anti-competitive activity, or who willfully dump toxic chemicals in violation of law, or who engage in other types of specified criminal activity. It may criminally prosecute cases referred by the governor and agency heads, and it supervises the Organized Crime Task Force. The attorney general's office also serves as bond counsel to a number of the State's public authorities.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of speeches given over the course of the tenures of Attorneys General Robert Abrams and Eliot Spitzer. Abrams' speeches were delivered to various state and local agencies and associations such as civil liberty unions, bar associations, citizens groups, legislative committees, conferences, and professional groups. The speeches address a variety of subjects, such as rights of crime victims, racism, antitrust laws, energy and commerce, environmental issues, bias crime, sentencing guidelines, real estate securities, and other legal, environmental, and civil issues.

Spitzer's records (accretion 18572-07) contain transcripts and/or draft copies of speeches and presentations given by the attorney general during his tenure (1999-2006). Some of the files also include the agendas for the conferences and events, and memoranda and research information prepared by staff providing background information regarding the issues and audience of the speeches. The date, location, and audience for some, but not all, speeches are provided.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

18572-94: Overall index at beginning of records; container list available at repository.

18572-95: Volume list available at repository.

Access Restrictions

18572-07: Designated records may contain information that is exempt from disclosure pursuant to state or federal statute or common law. Requests for access to designated records are reviewed by staff of the State Archives and the Office of the Attorney General (Dept. of Law). In certain circumstances, designated records or portions of records may be withheld.

Access Terms