An Independent Counsel is a lawyer appointed to investigate and prosecute government officials for misconduct, ensuring impartiality. This role was established to prevent conflicts of interest that might arise if the government investigated itself. The independent counsel operates outside the normal chain of command, allowing for a more objective examination of potential wrongdoing. The position was created by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, largely in response to the Watergate scandal. However, the independent counsel law expired in 1999, and its functions have since been replaced by special counsels, who are appointed by the Attorney General.