FAQ's

Question: How long should a Bill be published in the Gazette before being presented in the National Assembly

Answer: A Bill other than a Bill introduced on a certificate of urgency has to be published at least 30 days before being presented to Parliament.

Question: When does a Bill become an Act

Answer: A Bill becomes an Act when the President signs (assent) the Bill which has been passed by Parliament.

Question: What is an Act

Answer: An Act is law which has been passed by Parliament.

Question: What is a Bill

Answer: A Bill is a proposed law or an amendment to an existing law made by Parliament

Question: What is an enactment

Answer: An enactment is an Act or statutory Instrument or any provision of an Act or statutory instrument.

Question: What does ICD stand for?

Answer: The acronym ICD refers to the International and Commercial Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Question: What is the difference between the ICD and the Legislative Drafting Division?

Answer: The ICD provides legal advice to Government Ministries and Departments on the negotiation and drafting of commercial and international Agreements, whilst the Legislative Drafting Division drafts legislation (both primary and secondary) for the Government.

Question: What is the function of the ICD?

Answer: The ICD provides legal advice to Government Ministries and Departments on the negotiation and drafting of commercial and international Agreements. Such legal advice involves, among others, areas in international law, environmental law, international trade law, and the procurement of supplies, goods and services.

Question: Can the ICD assist members of the public with the drafting of agreements and contracts?

Answer: No, the ICD only assists Government Ministries and Departments, since the ICD is part of the office of the Attorney General, who is the principal legal adviser to the Government of the Republic of Botswana.

Question: How does the DPP differ from the Police?

Answer: The Police and other Law enforcement agencies receive reports in relation to criminal matters for investigation. After completion of same, the docket is forwarded to the DPP for assessment of evidence and possible prosecution.

Question: Currently where are the DPP offices located?

Answer: In Gaborone the DPP office is located in the Cetral Buisness District (CBD) and there are other regional offices in Maun, Selibe - Phikwe, Francistown, Palapye and Lobatse.

Question: Are there police who prosecute?

Answer: Yes, although the prosecutorial powers rest with the Dpp, he has delegated some of those powers to the Police to prosecute on his behalf until the takeover process is complete.

Question: Does the DPP do civil matters?

Answer: No. We are only confined to criminal matters.

Question: Can you represent private citizens?

Answer: No. The DPP only represents the State.

Question: Where can one buy the Legal Publications (i.e. Laws of Botswana and Law Reports)?

Answer: They are sold at the Government Printers Bookshop.

Question: What services does the AG's Chambers Corporate Services Division provide?

Answer: Financial Services, Human Resource, Facilities Management and IT Support Services.

Question: How can one access vacancies of the Attorney General’s Chambers?

Answer: The vacancies are advertised on the local newspapers (government and private media) and in the website. www.agc.gov.bw

Question: How long does it take the Attorney General’s Chambers to process payments for Suppliers?

Answer: We follow the same procedure for all Government and the current standard is 14 days.

Question: Can one borrow from the Chamber’s Library?

Answer: Internal Staff can borrow books. However, Journals and Law Reports cannot be borrowed, but one may photocopy articles from the Journals. The Library also subscribes to some electronic publications which are available on the government intranet and can only be used by government employees.

Question: I have a personal problem can the Attorney General’s Chambers give me legal advice or represent me in my case?

Answer: The Attorney General’s Chambers cannot help you as your problem is private and does not involve a Government Department or Ministry. However you may contact any private lawyer for assistance.