A more thorough explanation:

Definition: In formal legal writing, "see" is a signal that indicates the cited source clearly supports the preceding statement, even though an inference is required to draw the connection. If the statement repeats an idea directly from the source or quotes the source, no signal is used before giving the citation. In general writing, "see" may be used not as a signal for supporting sources, but as a way to suggest other ideas that may be of interest to the reader because of their similarity to the discussion at hand.

Legal Writing: The court held that the defendant's actions constituted negligence. See Smith v. Jones, 123 F.3d 456 (2d Cir. 2001).

General Writing: If you enjoy science fiction, see also the works of Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.

In the legal writing example, "see" is used to signal that the cited case, Smith v. Jones, supports the statement that the defendant's actions constituted negligence. In the general writing example, "see" is used to suggest other authors that may be of interest to someone who enjoys science fiction.