Legal Definitions - at large

The term "at large" has several distinct meanings in legal and general contexts, often referring to something that is unrestricted, comprehensive, or represents an entire body rather than a specific part.

• 1. Unrestrained or Uncontrolled

  This meaning refers to a person, animal, or even an abstract threat that is not captured, contained, or under supervision.

  • Example: After a significant security breach, the identity of the cyber attacker remained at large for several months, posing an ongoing threat to digital systems.

    Explanation: Here, "at large" signifies that the attacker has not been apprehended or identified, and therefore remains free and uncontrolled.

  • Example: Following a severe storm, several exotic birds escaped from a private aviary and were reported to be at large in the local community.

    Explanation: This indicates that the birds are no longer contained within their enclosure and are freely roaming.

• 2. Not Limited to a Specific Part or District (General Scope)

  This usage describes something that applies to or represents an entire entity or area, rather than being confined to a particular subdivision, person, or matter.

  • Example: The special ambassador was appointed to address human rights issues at large across the entire continent, rather than focusing on a single country.

    Explanation: The ambassador's mandate covers the broad scope of the entire continent, not a specific, limited region within it.

  • Example: The university's new policy on academic integrity applies at large to all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their specific department or role.

    Explanation: The policy's scope is general and comprehensive, encompassing the entire university community without exception.

• 3. Elected or Representing an Entire Political Entity

  In a political context, this refers to a public official who is chosen by the voters of an entire governmental unit (like a city, county, or state) rather than representing a specific district or ward within that unit.

  • Example: In many smaller municipalities, all members of the city council are elected at large, meaning every voter in the city casts a ballot for each council position.

    Explanation: The council members represent the interests of the entire city's population, not just a particular geographic subdivision.

  • Example: The state's school board includes several members elected at large to ensure broad representation of educational interests across all counties.

    Explanation: These board members are chosen by all voters statewide and represent the entire state's educational system, not just a specific district.

• 4. Not Ordered Topically; Chronological or Random

  This meaning typically applies to collections of documents, especially legal statutes, indicating they are arranged in the order they were enacted or collected, rather than being organized by subject matter.

  • Example: Legal historians often consult volumes of "Public Acts at Large" to understand the chronological development of legislation in a particular year.

    Explanation: This refers to a compilation of laws presented in the sequence they were passed, rather than grouped by topic or code.

  • Example: The museum's archive contains a collection of "Miscellaneous Correspondence at Large" from the 19th century, which includes letters on various subjects filed without specific thematic organization.

    Explanation: The correspondence is not sorted by topic but rather presented in a general, unclassified manner.

• 5. Fully; In Detail; Comprehensively

  This usage indicates that something is being discussed, presented, or considered in its entirety and with thoroughness.

  • Example: The board decided to postpone discussing the financial implications of the new project at large until all relevant data could be compiled.

    Explanation: They intended to have a full, detailed discussion of the financial implications, not just a brief overview.

  • Example: The author promised to elaborate on the philosophical underpinnings of her novel at large during her upcoming lecture series.

    Explanation: She plans to explain the complex philosophical ideas in a comprehensive and extended manner.