Q: With the recent appointment of the new attorney general, the newspaper has referred to her as the chief law enforcement officer of the country. My understanding always has been that the president is the chief law enforcement officer of the country. Is there an explanation?
—Donald Pattillo, Marietta
A: The U.S. attorney general is considered the chief law enforcement official of the country. The person holding the office "represents the U.S. in legal matters generally and gives advice and opinions to the president and to the heads of the executive departments of the government when so requested," the office's website states. The attorney general is a member of the Cabinet as head of the Justice Department. The president is the commander in chief of the U.S. military as designated by Article II of the Constitution. Loretta Lynch was sworn in as the new attorney general on April 27.
Q: What are the dates for Georgia’s tax-free weekends?
—Kathy McDonough, Peachtree Corners
A: The first sales tax holiday this year – for clothes, shoes, school supplies and computer equipment — is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. July 31 and ends at midnight Aug. 1. There are restrictions on the cost of each item. The second sales tax holiday – for energy-efficient appliances — will start at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 2 and end at midnight Oct. 4. The Georgia Legislature determines the dates.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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