PUBLIC RECORDS Meaning and
Definition
-
Public records are official government documents or files that are accessible and available for public inspection. These records are created and maintained by government agencies and organizations to ensure transparency, accountability, and to serve the public interest. Public records encompass a wide range of information and can include, but are not limited to, court records, property records, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, business registrations, and criminal records.
The purpose of keeping public records is to enable citizens to access information about government activities, transactions, and decisions. These records are considered to be essential in promoting open governance and preventing abuse of power. They are an important tool for citizens, journalists, researchers, and legal professionals to stay informed, exercise their rights, and hold governments accountable.
Access to public records is typically protected by law and subject to regulations that determine how and where they can be obtained. In many jurisdictions, there are freedom of information laws that guarantee the right to access government records. However, access to certain sensitive or confidential information may be restricted to protect privacy, national security, ongoing investigations, or other legitimate reasons.
Public records can be obtained in various ways, including visiting government offices, submitting formal requests, or utilizing online databases. The availability and accessibility of public records can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific type of record sought.
Etymology of PUBLIC RECORDS
The word "public records" is composed of two elements: "public" and "records".
- "Public" comes from the Latin word "publicus", meaning "of the people" or "pertaining to the people". It originated from the combination of "populus" (people) and the suffix "-icus" (adjective-forming).
- "Records" traces its origins back to the Latin word "recordari", which means "to recall" or "remember". It is derived from the combination of "re-" (again) and "cor" (heart), suggesting the idea of keeping something in memory.
The term "public records" itself emerged in the English language, combining both elements to refer to documents, files, or information that are created, maintained, and made accessible by government entities or public institutions for the benefit and use of the general public.
