History of United States Department of Justice in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is a federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws and ensuring justice in the United States. Led by the Attorney General, who serves as a member of the President's Cabinet, the DOJ manages the federal judicial system. Its primary responsibilities include prosecuting those accused of federal crimes, representing the U.S. government in legal matters, and overseeing law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Prisons. Established in 1870, the department plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and maintaining national security. Through its various divisions and offices, the DOJ conducts investigations, manages federal litigation, and coordinates with state and local authorities to address complex legal issues, ranging from organized crime and terrorism to public corruption and civil rights violations.

1913: U.S. Code Title 18 Section 1913

In 1913, U.S. Code Title 18 Section 1913 was established, a statute that strictly prohibits the use of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of lobbying for or against any actual or proposed legislation.

1924: Establishment of Alderson Federal Prison for Women

In 1924, the United States Department of Justice established a dedicated federal penitentiary for women located in Alderson, West Virginia, marking a significant development in the federal correctional system.

1929: Death of Architect Milton Bennett Medary

Following the death of lead architect Milton Bennett Medary in 1929, the architectural firm Zantzinger, Borie and Medary assumed full responsibility for overseeing the remaining development of the Department of Justice building project.

1933: Executive Order Centralizing Legal Functions under the DOJ

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order that officially consolidated the Department of Justice's authority. This mandate granted the department the responsibility for prosecuting federal offenses and claims, defending the government against legal demands, and supervising the operations of U.S. attorneys, marshals, and clerks, which had previously been fragmented across various agencies.

1935: Completion of the U.S. Department of Justice Building

In 1935, the construction of the U.S. Department of Justice building was officially finalized, a structure designed by Milton Bennett Medary that encompasses over 1,000,000 square feet of office space in Washington, D.C.

1942: Creation of the War Division

In 1942, the United States Department of Justice established the War Division to manage legal matters and administrative tasks specifically related to the efforts of World War II.

1945: Disestablishment of the War Division

Following the conclusion of World War II, the War Division within the Justice Department was officially disestablished in 1945 as the government shifted away from its wartime administrative structure.

2001: Renaming of the Department of Justice Main Building

In 2001, the United States Department of Justice Main Building, also known as "Main Justice," was formally renamed to honor former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

March 2003: Abolition of the Immigration and Naturalization Service

In March 2003, the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service was officially abolished, with its duties reassigned to the Department of Homeland Security. While some entities like the Office of Domestic Preparedness were transferred for executive purposes, key judicial functions such as the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Board of Immigration Appeals remained under the authority of the Department of Justice.

2003: Creation of LifeAndLiberty.gov

In 2003, the Department of Justice launched the LifeAndLiberty.gov website to promote and support the USA PATRIOT Act, an action that drew scrutiny from watchdog groups regarding the use of federal funds for political lobbying.

October 5, 2021: Formation of the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team

On October 5, 2021, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco officially announced the creation of the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team to address criminal activities involving digital currencies during the Aspen Cyber Summit.

2024: Post-Election Voter Data Collection

In 2024, following the United States presidential election, the Department of Justice requested voter roll information from more than 30 states as part of broader Republican initiatives to challenge and disrupt voting processes.

2025: Initiation of Texas Redistricting

During 2025, the Department of Justice initiated a redistricting process in Texas, an action viewed by critics as part of a strategic effort to influence political representation following the previous year's election.

2025: Launch of the Trade Fraud Task Force

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice joined forces with Homeland Security to establish the Trade Fraud Task Force. This initiative, launched in 2025, focuses on combating illegal trade activities, including the use of shell companies and deceptive transshipment maneuvers designed to hide the actual origins of goods within global supply chains.