Legal Definitions - report

A report is a formal communication, either oral or written, that presents facts, findings, or recommendations. In a legal context, it also specifically refers to official records of court proceedings or published collections of judicial and administrative decisions.

• Formal Communication of Information or Recommendations
  This usage refers to a structured presentation, often in writing, that provides factual details, analysis, or proposals for action. These reports are typically prepared for a specific audience within an organization, government, or business to inform decision-making or fulfill regulatory requirements.

  • Example 1 (Business/Financial): A publicly traded technology company releases its annual sustainability report, detailing its environmental impact, social initiatives, and governance practices over the past year. This report is shared with shareholders, consumers, and regulatory bodies to demonstrate the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

    Explanation: This illustrates a formal written presentation of facts and initiatives, prepared by an organization for various stakeholders to provide transparency and accountability on specific aspects of its operations.

  • Example 2 (Government/Policy): A city council forms a special committee to study the feasibility of expanding public transportation. After months of research, public hearings, and expert consultations, the committee submits a comprehensive report to the full council. This report outlines the current state of transportation, analyzes different expansion options, projects costs and benefits, and recommends a specific plan for new bus routes and light rail lines.

    Explanation: Here, the report is a formal document presenting findings (research, analysis) and clear recommendations for action (a specific plan) from a committee to a governing body, intended to guide policy decisions.

• Official Legal Records and Published Decisions
  In the legal field, a "report" can be an official written account of court proceedings, or a published compilation of judicial opinions and administrative agency rulings that serve as legal precedents and references.

  • Example 1 (Court Proceedings): During a complex civil lawsuit involving a patent dispute, a certified court reporter meticulously records every word spoken in the courtroom, from opening statements to witness testimonies and the judge's final instructions to the jury. This complete, verbatim transcript is the official "report" of the trial proceedings, essential for any appeals or future legal review.

    Explanation: This demonstrates a written account of a court proceeding, capturing the exact words spoken, which is crucial for creating an accurate and official record of the trial.

  • Example 2 (Published Judicial Decisions): Law students and attorneys frequently consult volumes like the "Supreme Court Reports" or "California Appellate Reports." These published books contain the full text of judicial opinions issued by the highest courts, detailing the facts of each case, the legal reasoning applied, and the final decision. These reports are vital for understanding legal precedents.

    Explanation: This illustrates "reports" as published collections of judicial decisions, which are fundamental resources for legal professionals to understand how laws have been interpreted and applied by courts, forming the basis of case law.

  • Example 3 (Published Administrative Decisions): The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) publishes its "Decisions and Orders," which document its rulings on unfair labor practice charges and representation elections. These reports provide guidance to employers, unions, and employees on their rights and obligations under federal labor law.

    Explanation: This example shows "reports" as collections of decisions made by administrative agencies, which are similar to judicial decisions but originate from regulatory bodies within the executive branch, impacting specific areas of law.