(a) The Attorney General shall have the general supervision of criminal prosecutions, shall consult with and advise the State's Attorneys in matters relating to the duties of their office, and shall assist them by attending the grand jury in the examination of any cause or in the preparation of indictments and informations when, in his or her judgment, the interests of the State require it.

(b) The Attorney General may appoint a Deputy Attorney General with the approval of the Governor, remove him or her at pleasure, and be responsible for his or her acts. Such deputy shall perform such duties as the Attorney General shall direct, and in the absence or disability of the Attorney General perform the duties of the Attorney General. In case a vacancy occurs in the Office of Attorney General, such deputy shall assume and discharge the duties of such office until such vacancy is filled. Such appointment shall be in writing and be recorded in the Office of the Secretary of State. Such Deputy Attorney General shall take the oath required by the constitution, shall be an informing officer and have the same authority throughout the State in civil or criminal matters as State's Attorneys have in their respective counties.

(c) The Attorney General may appoint such Assistant Attorneys General and Special Assistant Attorneys General as may be necessary for the proper and efficient performance of his or her department, and with the approval of the Governor, fix their pay, remove them at pleasure and be responsible for their acts. They shall have the same obligations, power and authority as the Deputy Attorney General except those relating to the absence or disability of the Attorney General and vacancy in the Office of Attorney General. Their appointments and the revocation thereof shall be in writing and recorded in the Office of the Secretary of State. All Assistant Attorneys General and Special Assistant Attorneys General shall be attorneys at law. (Amended 1965, No. 44, § 1, eff. May 5, 1965; 1965, No. 125, § 15, eff. July 2, 1965; 1979, No. 59, § 13.)