Legal Definitions - judicial record

A judicial record refers to the complete, official collection of all documents, filings, orders, and entries maintained by a court for a specific legal case. It serves as the comprehensive history of the proceedings, from the initial complaint or indictment through to the final judgment and any appeals. This record typically includes pleadings, motions, evidence submitted, transcripts of hearings, judicial decisions, and other official communications related to the case. It is the authoritative account of everything that has officially transpired in a particular legal matter.

• Example 1: Civil Contract Dispute

  Imagine a small business suing a supplier for failing to deliver goods as per a contract. The judicial record for this case would include the initial complaint filed by the business, the supplier's formal response, any motions filed by either side (e.g., a motion to compel discovery), court orders regarding scheduling or evidence, transcripts from depositions or hearings, and ultimately, the judge's final ruling or the settlement agreement. Each of these documents, chronologically organized and officially filed with the court, forms part of the judicial record, providing a complete account of the legal dispute from start to finish.

• Example 2: Criminal Prosecution

  Consider a criminal prosecution where an individual is accused of felony assault. The judicial record would contain the indictment or information formally charging the individual, records of bail hearings, motions filed by the prosecution or defense (e.g., motions to suppress evidence), court orders, transcripts of trial proceedings, the jury's verdict, and the judge's sentencing order. This comprehensive collection allows anyone reviewing the case to understand every official step taken, from the initial accusation through to the final disposition and any subsequent appeals.

• Example 3: Family Law Divorce Case

  In a divorce proceeding involving child custody and property division, the judicial record would encompass the initial petition for divorce, financial disclosures from both parties, any temporary orders issued by the court regarding support or custody, mediation reports, expert witness reports (e.g., from a child psychologist), transcripts of custody hearings, and the final divorce decree outlining property division, spousal support, and a detailed parenting plan. This record ensures that all official decisions and submitted information related to the dissolution of the marriage and child arrangements are preserved and accessible.