people who had not been given legal status under the laws of the united states were given photo id's, work authorization and social security numbers and the right to participate in these government programs that would appear to be contrary to existing law. that would to me suggest an overreach. >> in parallel, before the courts, what instances would it be legitimate, if any, for the solicitor general to not defend a law in court? >> that is a very good question. sometimes it becomes a real matter. in general the solicitor general as part of the department of justice and the executive branch states the position of the department of justice and it has a duty, the department of justice does, to defend the laws passed by this body.