Expunging
/ɛksˈpʌndʒɪŋ/
Definitions
- (v.) The act of legally removing or erasing a record, typically criminal records, so that it is treated as though it never existed.
The defendant petitioned the court for expunging his juvenile arrest records.
Forms
- expunge
- expunged
- expunges
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Expunging is usually subject to strict legal criteria and varies significantly by jurisdiction; it is different from record sealing, as expunged records are typically treated as nonexistent.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.