Icon: enlarge
Merrick B. Garland was already under discussion as a judge for the Supreme Court under Barack Obama
Photo: Andrew Harnik / AP
US President-elect Joe Biden wants to appoint renowned judge Merrick B. Garland to be his attorney general.
The future US head of government announced this on Thursday - he confirmed the corresponding media reports on Wednesday.
Garland's deputy is said to be public prosecutor Lisa Monaco.
Former US President Barack Obama nominated Garland as a Supreme Court Justice in 2016, but the Republicans in the Senate blocked his appointment.
Garland, 68, is currently a federal judge in the capital, Washington.
The Senate must also approve Biden's cabinet members.
Garland's candidacy is likely to meet with broad approval, especially since he is considered a relatively independent and apolitical judge and the Democrats will hold the majority in the Senate after the elections.
Many left Democrats had urged Biden to choose a more political candidate for the Justice Department.
After President Donald Trump's term in office, they are hoping for a leadership in the Justice Department that will campaign aggressively to strengthen civil rights and against racism.
After his official confirmation by Congress, Biden is due to be sworn in as the new President on January 20.
President Trump wants to clear the way for a handover of power to his successor.
Icon: The mirror
fek / dpa / Reuters