Public Record
/ˈpʌblɪk ˈrɛkərd/
Definitions
- (n.) A document or entry officially recorded by a government or authorized public body, accessible for public inspection and evidencing facts or legal rights.
The deed is a public record that verifies property ownership.
- (n.) Information or data that is required to be maintained and made available by law for transparency, such as court records, vital records, or legislative records.
Criminal convictions are often part of the public record.
Forms
- public records
Related terms
Commentary
A public record must generally be maintained and accessible according to jurisdictional laws; clarity on the scope of 'public' and 'record' can aid precise drafting.
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.