The phrase "general issue" refers to a problem or concern that affects a broad range of people or things. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as: /ˈdʒɛn·ər·əl ˈɪʃ·u/. The first syllable "gen" is pronounced as "dʒɛn" with a soft "g" sound. The second syllable "er" is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the third syllable "al" is pronounced as "əl" with a weak "l" sound. Finally, the last two syllables "ish" and "ue" are pronounced as "ˈɪʃ·u", with a silent "u" at the end.
The term "general issue" refers to a concept often used in legal, political, and social contexts. It denotes a broad or all-encompassing matter or problem that is relevant to multiple situations, cases, or discussions. The general issue is characterized by its broad applicability, whereas specific issues may only pertain to a particular context.
In legal proceedings, the general issue typically arises during trials or hearings when the defense asserts a plea or a response that denies the allegations made by the prosecution in their indictment, complaint, or petition. By invoking a general issue defense, the accused contests the charges as a whole, refusing to admit guilt or acceptance of the specific allegations laid out against them. This defense aims to challenge the fundamental validity or truthfulness of the prosecution's case more broadly.
In a political or social context, the general issue pertains to matters of broader consequence that affect a wide range of individuals, groups, or communities. These issues often deal with societal concerns, such as public policy, economic stability, civil rights, or environmental sustainability. They can trigger debates, discussions, and activism on a larger scale, as they have the potential to impact the general populace in significant ways.
Overall, the general issue refers to the overall matter or controversy at hand, encompassing a wide scope of implications and ramifications. It serves as a conceptual framework for understanding and addressing complex and multifaceted problems.
The word "general issue" consists of two components: "general" and "issue".
The term "general" originated in Middle English, deriving from the Old French word 'general' which meant "common, ordinary, or usual". It can be traced back to the Latin word 'generalis,' derived from 'genus,' meaning "kind" or "class".
The word "issue" comes from the Old French word 'issue,' meaning "result" or "outcome". It can be traced back to the Latin word 'issūs' or 'ex-ire,' which means "to go out" or "to come out".
When combined, "general issue" refers to a broad or wide-ranging matter or topic that is commonly encountered or widely applicable. In legal terms, it denotes an assertion in a legal dispute that addresses a broad question of law or fact rather than a specific individual issue.