Attorney General William Barr tries to restore confidence in Justice Department

WASHINGTON - In his first month in office, Attorney General William Barr has sent a reassuring message to the beleaguered Justice Department - he wants a return to basics after years of disruptive firings, tweet storms and scandals.

In briefings, Barr has asked detailed questions about cases, suspects and legal arguments. He has wandered his fifth-floor hallway to converse about the law.

And he declined the traditional "clap in" where a newly confirmed attorney general walks through the building and subordinates applaud. Instead, Barr held a three-hour coffee reception in his conference room.

Advisers and associates said the approach reflects Barr's low-key persona, and his top goals of steering the Justice Department out of the