Legal Definitions - official report

An official report is a formal document produced by an authorized entity, such as a government agency, a court, a commission, or a designated individual, presenting factual information, findings, analysis, or recommendations. These reports are considered authoritative because they originate from an official source and often serve as a basis for decision-making, policy development, or public record.

• Example 1: After a significant bridge collapse, a state's Department of Transportation might issue an official report detailing the structural integrity assessment of all similar bridges within the state, outlining their current condition, and recommending necessary repairs or replacements.

  Explanation: This is an official report because it is produced by an authorized government agency (Department of Transportation), contains factual findings (structural assessments), and provides recommendations based on those findings, intended to inform public safety decisions and infrastructure policy.

• Example 2: Following a major data breach at a financial institution, a cybersecurity firm hired by the institution might be required to submit an official report to regulatory bodies, detailing the nature of the breach, the number of affected customers, and the steps taken to mitigate future risks.

  Explanation: Even though prepared by a private firm, this report becomes "official" because it is mandated by and submitted to authorized regulatory bodies, serving as a formal record of compliance and incident response for oversight purposes.

• Example 3: A school district's independent auditor might release an official report at the end of the fiscal year, summarizing the district's financial health, identifying any discrepancies in spending, and confirming adherence to budgetary guidelines.

  Explanation: This constitutes an official report as it is prepared by an authorized, independent professional (the auditor) for a public entity (the school district), providing a formal, factual assessment of financial operations that is often made public and used for accountability.