The position was mandated by the [[1870 Statutory Authorization Act]] which stated, "There shall be in the [[Department of Justice]] an officer learned in the law, to assist the [[Attorney General]] in the performance of his duties to be called the Solicitor General."<ref>http://www.usdoj.gov/osg/</ref> | The position was mandated by the [[1870 Statutory Authorization Act]] which stated, "There shall be in the [[Department of Justice]] an officer learned in the law, to assist the [[Attorney General]] in the performance of his duties to be called the Solicitor General."<ref>http://www.usdoj.gov/osg/</ref> |