It's my understanding from recently reading about why special councils are appointed, and who has the power to appoint them, that (1) they are appointed to remove the appearance of a conflict of interest when the Justice Dept, is investigating potential crimes within Executive branch. IOW the executive branch investigating the executive branch would be a conflict of interest, and therefore the need for a special council.

In absents of a conflict of interest, the AG can do anything that a SC can do. With this thinking, I am under the opinion that all this Special Council hubbub is unnecessary.

Who can appoint a special council. Both the AG, and the president have the authority to appoint a special council.