which of the following documents are considered a record
A “record” is any information that is created or received in the course of business and kept because it serves as evidence of actions, decisions, rights, or obligations. Not every document is a record; to be a record it generally needs to be official, preserved, and tied to business or legal activity.
What is considered a record?
In legal and records‑management contexts, a record is typically:
- An official written memorial of acts, proceedings, or events, preserved as evidence.
- Any recorded information (paper or digital) made or received in conducting business and kept for its evidentiary or informational value.
- Something that may be required for compliance, auditing, protecting rights, or documenting decisions.
Common examples of records include:
- Contracts, deeds, wills, and affidavits once properly filed or authenticated.
- Financial documents such as ledgers, tax returns, and audit reports.
- Official correspondence that shows decisions, approvals, or policies.
- Public records like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and property titles.
What is not considered a record?
Many everyday documents are not records because they do not have lasting evidentiary or business value.
Typical non‑records:
- Drafts and working notes that do not document a final decision or official action.
- Convenience copies kept only for reference when an official version exists elsewhere.
- Transitory messages (e.g., routine reminders or informal chats) with no ongoing legal, financial, or operational value.
These can usually be discarded once they are no longer needed, whereas true records must follow a retention schedule or legal requirements.
Simple rule of thumb
To decide whether a document is a record, ask:
- Was it created or received as part of official business or legal activity?
- Does it provide evidence of a decision, action, obligation, right, or policy?
- Is it meant to be preserved beyond its immediate, short‑term use?
If the answer is “yes” to these, the document is very likely considered a record.
