Office of Legal Counsel

The Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) is a division within the U.S. Department of Justice that provides legal advice to the President and executive branch agencies. Its role is to ensure that their actions and decisions comply with the law. The OLC drafts legal opinions, interprets laws and regulations, and offers guidance on complex or sensitive legal issues. Essentially, it helps the government operate within legal boundaries, maintaining the rule of law while supporting the effective functioning of the executive branch.