Definition: The word "public records" is a legal concept that refers to any public record, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, probate papers, and more. This term is used in various jurisdictions and is often referred to as an "open file". These types of files are typically kept by the government or law enforcement agencies and contain sensitive personal information such as dates of birth, medical histories, social security numbers, addresses, and other identifying data. The legal definition of "public records" includes any document that can be accessed by the public for purposes of investigation, compliance, or the performance of a specific purpose. These types of records are typically open to the public, but sometimes they may be restricted or made accessible only with the permission of the person or entity holding them. In legal contexts, "public records" can refer to any document that is publicly available or accessible by the public. This could include tax returns, court documents, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and other government-issued papers. However, it should be noted that public records may also include records of individuals who are not subject to the law (such as private citizens) and may be restricted or inaccessible due to privacy concerns. The term "public records" is typically used in legal contexts where a person's personal information is required by the government or authorities. It is important for individuals to understand the implications of accessing public records, especially if they are not subject to their personal information being released publicly.