Individual rights are at the heart of the Constitution, as expressed by the framers in the document’s preamble with key phrases like “to establish justice” and “to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and to our Posterity.” To establish justice, the Constitution makes no distinction as to wealth or status; all are equal before the law, and all are equally subject to judgment and punishment when they violate the law.
Formed in 1870, the Department of Justice represents the U.S. Government in legal matters and courts of law, and renders legal advice and opinions upon request to the president and the heads of the executive departments. The Attorney General heads the Justice Department, and the FBI is the principal law enforcement body for federal crimes.