What is defined as a Public Record?

The definition of a public record encompasses a wide range of materials that are created or received by government offices in New Jersey. This includes written documents, drawings, maps, plans, photographs, microfilms, as well as sound recordings and processed data. The key aspect that qualifies these items as public records is their connection to the activities and functions of public offices. This broad definition ensures transparency and accountability in government operations, as public records are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

In contrast, private emails or correspondence between state officials do not fall under the definition of public records since they are not intended for public access and may contain sensitive or confidential information. Similarly, informal notes taken during meetings do not typically meet the formal criteria established for public records due to their unofficial nature. Lastly, limiting public records to only those documents filed with the court system would be overly restrictive and would not encompass the extensive range of materials produced by government entities. Therefore, the first option accurately reflects the comprehensive definition of public records as stipulated by public records laws in New Jersey.