ALBANY (AP) - New York's justice building is now named for former four-term Attorney General Robert Abrams.

Abrams was attorney general from 1979 to 1993. He first strengthened the office to extensively use the courts to defend civil rights, the environment and other issues. Previously, attorneys general stuck mostly to consumer-protection complaints and defending state government in court.

He was chosen for the honor at the prominent building across from the Capitol in Albany for what a plaque states was his "indelible mark on state history" and his pursuit of justice.

The sign and plaque cost $10,800.