A Special Counsel is an independent attorney appointed to investigate and prosecute specific legal matters, often involving potential misconduct by government officials. This role is designed to ensure impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest, especially in politically sensitive cases. The Special Counsel operates outside the normal chain of command within the Department of Justice. Typically, a Special Counsel is appointed by the Attorney General or a senior official and has the authority to conduct investigations, gather evidence, and bring charges if necessary. Notable examples include the investigations led by Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Kenneth Starr regarding former President Bill Clinton.