I am the attorney general of the United States. But I am also a black man.

Too many Americans go to too many prisons for far too long, and for no truly good law enforcement reason.

I don't have any intention of resigning.

Some have argued that the President is required to get permission from a federal court before taking action against a United States citizen who is a senior operational leader of al Qaeda or associated forces. This is simply not accurate. 'Due process' and 'judicial process' are not one and the same, particularly when it comes to national security. The Constitution guarantees due process, not judicial process.

If you want to call me an activist attorney general, I will proudly accept that label.

Due process and judicial process are not one and the same, particularly when it comes to national security.

It's time to question laws that senselessly expand the concept of self-defense and sow dangerous conflict in our neighborhoods. These laws try to fix something that was never broken. There has always been a legal defense for using deadly force if - and the 'if' is important - if no safe retreat is available. But we must examine laws that take this further by eliminating the common sense and age-old requirement that people who feel threatened have a duty to retreat, outside their home, if they can do so safely.