Reading Room Document

Authority of Civil Service Commission to Require Department of Justice to Hire Attorneys According to Numerical Rating System

This document discusses the evaluation of employment procedures at the Department of Justice and the conclusion that the procedures concerning Schedule A and B excepted-service positions did not satisfy the requirements of the Veterans Preference Act. The main question presented for review is whether the Civil Service Commission has the authority to require a numerical rating system for attorney positions, which is in conflict with the statutory restrictions on the Commission's authority over attorney hiring. The document also presents the historical context of attorney selection procedures and the application of veterans' preference in the hiring process. The conclusion reached is that the Department of Justice's practice of positively considering veterans' preference and the new procedure for attorney selection reasonably gives effect to the Veterans Preference Act, and the Commission's request for a numerical rating system may not be necessary.

August 14, 1978