Public Records
/ˈpʌblɪk ˈrɛkərdz/
Definitions
- (n.) Documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are maintained by governmental bodies, accessible to the public under laws such as the Freedom of Information Act.
The journalist requested access to the public records to investigate the government's spending.
- (n.) Official records created or received in connection with the transaction of public business, which may include minutes, reports, licenses, and correspondence.
Public records often serve as evidence in legal disputes.
Forms
- public record
Related terms
Commentary
The term typically refers to government-held information subject to public access; different jurisdictions may define the scope of public records differently.
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.