PUBLIC RECORD Meaning and
Definition
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Public record refers to any document, information, or data that is created, received, maintained, or stored by a government agency or its representatives in the course of their official duties. It encompasses a wide variety of media, including physical documents, electronic files, photographs, videos, audio recordings, and even social media posts.
The purpose of public records is to ensure transparency, accountability, and access to information about government operations and activities. They serve as a legal and historical record of the actions, decisions, and policies of public officials and agencies. Examples of public records include birth and death certificates, court records, property deeds, government contracts, meeting minutes, and campaign finance reports.
As public records, this information is generally available to the public unless it falls within certain exceptions and exemptions, such as sensitive personal information, national security concerns, or ongoing investigations. Access to public records is typically governed by laws or regulations that outline procedures for requesting and obtaining records, often through freedom of information acts or public records acts.
Public records play a crucial role in promoting government accountability, supporting research and historical analysis, fostering informed public participation, and facilitating the exercise of individuals' rights and responsibilities in democratic societies. Their availability helps ensure the preservation of democratic values by providing citizens with the means to monitor and assess the actions and performance of their government and its agencies.
Common Misspellings for PUBLIC RECORD
- oublic record
- lublic record
- -ublic record
- 0ublic record
- pyblic record
- phblic record
- pjblic record
- piblic record
- p8blic record
- p7blic record
- puvlic record
- punlic record
- puhlic record
- puglic record
- pubkic record
- pubpic record
- puboic record
- publuc record
- publjc record
- publkc record
Etymology of PUBLIC RECORD
The word "public" has its roots in the Latin word "publicus", which means "of the people" or "belonging to the people". It was derived from "populus", meaning "people" or "nation".
The term "record" comes from the Latin word "recordari", which means "to call to mind" or "to remember". It is composed of "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and "cor" (meaning "heart" or "mind").
When these two terms are combined, "public record" refers to any document, information, or material that is created, maintained, and made accessible by a government or an official body for the public's reference, use, or scrutiny. It is a record that pertains to the collective memory and affairs of a community or society.
