The OPR was established in 1975 by order of then Attorney General Edward Levi, following revelations of ethical abuse and serious misconduct by senior DOJ officials during the Watergate scandal.

"[3] OPR's primary mission is to ensure that DOJ attorneys perform their duties in accordance with professional standards.

[4] The remaining complaints come from a variety of sources, including private attorneys, defendants and civil litigants, other federal agencies, state or local government officials, judicial and congressional referrals, and media reports.

A decision to open a matter does not give rise to a presumption of misconduct, nor shift the burden of proof to the accused person.

The OPR reports the results of the investigation to the component head concerned and to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General.