Legal Definitions - sweeping

Sweeping describes something that is very broad in scope, extensive in its reach, or has a significant and far-reaching impact.

• Example 1: A new federal law is passed that introduces sweeping changes to the nation's energy policy, affecting everything from renewable energy subsidies to fossil fuel extraction regulations across all states.

  Explanation: This law is considered "sweeping" because its provisions are extensive and comprehensive, impacting a wide range of energy sectors and geographical areas throughout the entire country, demonstrating a broad scope and significant reach.

• Example 2: A state supreme court issued a sweeping ruling that redefines the legal standard for proving discrimination in employment cases, potentially influencing thousands of future lawsuits and workplace practices.

  Explanation: The ruling is "sweeping" because it has a broad and profound impact on how discrimination is assessed in a specific area of law, affecting a large number of potential cases and setting a new, extensive precedent for employers and employees alike.

• Example 3: After a series of financial irregularities, a major international bank implemented sweeping reforms to its internal auditing processes, requiring new software, mandatory training for all financial staff, and a complete overhaul of its reporting mechanisms globally.

  Explanation: These reforms are "sweeping" because they are comprehensive, affecting every financial employee and department across all international branches, and involve extensive changes to fundamental operational and compliance processes.