Legal Definitions - records

In a legal context, records refer to any documented information, regardless of its format, that is created, received, and maintained by an organization or individual as evidence of their activities, transactions, or decisions. These documents serve as an official account and can be crucial for legal proceedings, compliance, or historical reference.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of legal records:

• Example 1: Corporate Business Operations
  A technology company maintains detailed records of its intellectual property, including patent applications, invention disclosures, and licensing agreements. It also keeps financial records such as quarterly earnings reports, tax filings, and audit reports.

  Explanation: These documents are considered legal records because they are official accounts of the company's assets, financial performance, and legal obligations. They serve as evidence in potential disputes over ownership, financial audits, or regulatory compliance, demonstrating the company's activities and decisions over time.

• Example 2: Healthcare and Patient Information
  A hospital maintains comprehensive patient medical records, which include admission forms, diagnostic test results, physician's notes, treatment plans, and billing statements.

  Explanation: These are vital legal records because they document the care provided to a patient, the patient's medical history, and the decisions made by healthcare professionals. They are essential for continuity of care, insurance claims, and can be critical evidence in cases of medical malpractice or disputes over treatment.

• Example 3: Real Estate Transactions
  When a person buys a house, the transaction generates numerous records, such as the deed, mortgage agreement, property survey, title insurance policy, and closing disclosure. These documents are often filed with the county recorder's office.

  Explanation: Each of these documents constitutes a legal record. The deed proves ownership, the mortgage agreement outlines financial obligations, and the title insurance policy protects against ownership disputes. These records are official evidence of the property transfer and associated legal commitments, providing a clear historical chain of ownership and financial responsibility.