The Directorate is headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who is appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the Public Appointments Committee of the National Assembly. The DPP is responsible for instituting and undertaking prosecution of criminal offences in any court (except for court-martial).

The Drafting Section is a department within the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and it has its offices at the Ministry’s Headquarters at Capital Hill in Lilongwe. It is headed by the Chief Legislative Counsel (CLC) who is appointed  by the President. The CLC is assisted by the Assistant Chief Legislative Counsel, Legislative Counsel,  Assistant Legislative Counsel of various grades.

The Human Rights Section in the Ministry of Justice was set up to coordinate human rights issues. The Section is responsible for state party reporting to United Nations treaty bodies and African Union human rights  system. The Section also coordinates human rights issues on behalf of the Ministry by working hand in hand with other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and civil society organizations. 

Attorney General is the principal law officer   of the government and is appointed by the President. The Attorney General may be a Minister responsible for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.  The current Attorney General is a public officer. If the Attorney General is a public officer, he or she may serve a term of five years, unless he or she resigns, retires or until the expiry of the President’s term of office, whichever comes sooner.