The Attorney General is a constitutional officer whose duties and powers are prescribed in Title 36, Chapter 15, of the Code of Alabama (1975). As the state's attorney, he provides legal representation for the state of Alabama, its officers, departments, and agencies. The Attorney General defends the state in all lawsuits in which the state is named as a defendant. He represents the state in all court proceedings wherein the constitutionality of a state statute is challenged. In addition to defending the state, the Attorney General may initiate court action, both civil and criminal, to protect the state's interests or to enforce state law. The Attorney General represents the state in all criminal actions in the appellate courts of the State of Alabama and in habeas corpus proceedings in the federal courts. He has the authority to superintend and direct the prosecution of any state criminal case. The Attorney General issues legal advice through formal or informal written opinions to authorized public officials and agencies.