The Department is responsible for representing the State in actions against and by the State in accordance with the provision of Section 12 of State Proceedings Act, Cap 71 of the Laws of Zambia.  The Department shall also take conduct of all civil actions against the State and by the State which are brought in the name of the Attorney-General. The Department shall also be involved in processing cases for the Prerogative of Mercy. 

The Department performs the following specific functions:

a)       Institute and defend civil proceedings on behalf of the State;

b)       Rendering legal advice on all civil matters to Government departments, ministries and statutory bodies;

c)       Collecting of debt owed to Ministries, Provinces and Statutory Bodies; and

d)       Providing legal advice to the President on the exercise of powers of Prerogative of Mercy.