[2] The department was responsible for the state's justice system – courts, prosecutions, prisons, sheriffs – and most emergency service agencies.

[3] The re-organisation of the legal system of Colonial New South Wales led to the creation of the Attorney-General, an appointed law officer.

Following the creation of self-government in 1856, the position of Attorney-General became an officer appointed by the Government of the day from within the membership of the Parliament of New South Wales.

In 2008 the department's main business centres were relocated to newer offices in Parramatta.

Following the 2011 state election the department was merged with Corrective Services and renamed to its current name.