North Dakota Code 54-35-17 – Retention of legal counsel
When the legislative assembly is in session, either house by resolution may authorize, or both houses by concurrent resolution may direct, the legislative council to appoint or retain legal counsel to appear in, commence, prosecute, defend, or intervene in any action, suit, matter, cause, or proceeding in any court or agency when determined necessary or advisable to protect the official interests of the legislative branch. When the legislative assembly is not in session, the legislative management, by a majority vote, may authorize the legislative council to appoint or retain legal counsel to appear in, commence, prosecute, defend, or intervene in any action, suit, matter, cause, or proceeding in any court or agency when determined necessary or advisable to protect the official interests of the legislative branch. Section 54-12-08 does not apply to a person appointed or retained under this section.
Terms Used In North Dakota Code 54-35-17
- Concurrent resolution: A legislative measure, designated "S. Con. Res." and numbered consecutively upon introduction, generally employed to address the sentiments of both chambers, to deal with issues or matters affecting both houses, such as a concurrent budget resolution, or to create a temporary joint committee. Concurrent resolutions are not submitted to the President/Governor and thus do not have the force of law.
- Person: means an individual, organization, government, political subdivision, or government agency or instrumentality. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
- Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.