U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced today he will be stepping down as soon as his successor can be nominated and confirmed.

Holder, the first African-American to hold the post, took office shortly after President Barack Obama began his first term in 2009. Holder leaves on something of a high note, reports The New York Times: Earlier this week, he announced that the federal prison population declined for the first time since 1980 on his watch, and should continue to do so for at least the next two years.

What the story behind Holder’s time in office and his forthcoming departure? Here are five things you should know:

According to The New York Times, candidates mentioned as possible replacements for Holder include Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm.

Related Resources:

  • Attorney General Eric Holder to step down (The Washington Post)
  • AG Eric Holder’s Letter to the Fifth Circuit on the Court’s Authority to Rule on Obamacare (FindLaw’s Courtside)
  • Atty. Gen. Holder Blasts ‘Stand Your Ground’ (FindLaw’s Blotter)
  • Texas Sued by Justice Dept. Over Voter ID Law (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)

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