Reading Room Document

Whether the Department of Justice May Furnish Technical Assistance to the State of Iowa in Litigation Between the State and a Private Party

This document discusses the legality of the Department of Justice providing technical assistance to the State of Iowa in a litigation case involving a faulty computer system. The conclusion reached is that this constitutes a legitimate use of the Attorney General’s authority pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 3372. The questions presented for review include whether the technical services provided are mutually beneficial to the State and the Department of Justice, and whether the assignment of a Department computer expert to provide technical advice to the State is within the broad language of § 3372. Additionally, the document addresses the authority of the U.S. Attorney General under 5 U.S.C. § 3372 to arrange for the assignment of an employee of the Department of Justice to a State or local government for work of mutual concern.

September 8, 1978