Legal Definitions - United States officer

A United States officer refers to an individual who holds a position of public trust within the federal government of the United States. These individuals are typically appointed or elected to their roles and are vested with specific authority and responsibilities under the U.S. Constitution or federal law. Their duties involve exercising a portion of the sovereign power of the United States, whether in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch.

Here are some examples illustrating this term:

• Example 1: The Secretary of the Treasury is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of the Treasury. This individual is responsible for managing the nation's finances, advising the President on economic policy, and overseeing various federal agencies like the Internal Revenue Service.

  This illustrates a United States officer because the Secretary holds a high-level, constitutionally established position within the executive branch, exercises significant federal authority, and is entrusted with critical governmental functions derived from federal law and presidential appointment.

• Example 2: A United States Circuit Court Judge, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serves on one of the federal appellate courts. Their role involves hearing appeals from federal district courts and making binding legal decisions that interpret federal law and the Constitution.

  This demonstrates a United States officer as the judge holds a position within the judicial branch of the federal government, exercises sovereign judicial power, and is appointed through a federal process to fulfill duties prescribed by federal law.

• Example 3: The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to lead the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. This individual is responsible for enforcing federal laws, investigating national security threats, and protecting the United States from foreign intelligence and terrorist activities.

  This example highlights a United States officer because the Director holds a significant leadership role within a federal executive agency, is appointed through a federal process, and exercises substantial law enforcement and investigative authority on behalf of the federal government.