Legal Definitions - See generally

See generally is a legal citation signal used to direct a reader to a source that offers helpful background information or a broad overview of a topic. It indicates that the cited material provides a general understanding or context rather than direct support for a specific statement made in the text. Essentially, it's a suggestion to "look here for more information on the broader subject" if you need foundational knowledge or a comprehensive introduction.

• Example 1: Environmental Law Brief

  A lawyer is drafting a legal brief arguing a specific point about a permit under the Clean Water Act. Before delving into the intricate details of the permit application, the lawyer wants to provide the judge with a quick reference for the overall structure and purpose of the Clean Water Act itself.

  The lawyer might write: "The Clean Water Act establishes a comprehensive regulatory scheme for pollutant discharges into navigable waters. See generally John Smith, Environmental Law Handbook § 3.1 (2d ed. 2020) (providing an overview of the Act's structure and goals)."

  Explanation: This use of "See generally" tells the reader that Smith's handbook offers a broad understanding of the Clean Water Act. This background is useful for comprehending the specific permit issue being discussed, but the handbook is not cited for direct support of the lawyer's immediate argument about the permit itself.

• Example 2: Law Review Article on Contract Theory

  A legal scholar is writing an academic article proposing a novel interpretation of contract law principles in the digital age. To set the stage for their new ideas, they want to acknowledge the foundational theories of contract formation that have traditionally governed the field.

  The scholar might state: "While traditional contract theory emphasizes offer and acceptance as the cornerstones of agreement, this article explores how digital interactions challenge these established paradigms. See generally E. Allan Farnsworth, Farnsworth on Contracts § 3.1 (3d ed. 2004) (discussing the historical development of contract formation principles)."

  Explanation: Here, "See generally" guides the reader to Farnsworth's treatise for a comprehensive understanding of traditional contract formation. This serves as crucial background for appreciating the article's new perspective, even though the article itself is moving beyond those traditional views to propose new ideas.

• Example 3: Court Opinion on Emerging Technology Law

  A judge is writing an opinion in a case involving complex data privacy issues related to artificial intelligence, an area of law that is still rapidly developing. The judge wants to provide context for the general principles of data privacy before addressing the specific AI-related arguments presented in the case.

  The opinion might read: "The protection of personal data has become a paramount concern in the digital age, leading to a complex body of privacy regulations. See generally Daniel J. Solove & Paul M. Schwartz, Privacy Law Fundamentals (2021) (exploring the foundational concepts and evolution of privacy law)."

  Explanation: The judge uses "See generally" to point to a source that gives a broad overview of privacy law. This helps readers, especially those less familiar with the field, grasp the general legal landscape and foundational principles before delving into the specific, complex issues of AI and data privacy presented in the case.