public record

A record that a governmental unit is required by law to keep, such as land deeds kept at a county courthouse. • Public records are generally open to view by the public. Cf. public document under DOCUMENT. [Cases: Records 1, 30, 54. C.J.S. Records §§ 2, 60, 62–63, 65, 93, 95, 99–100, 103–104.]