Why are "public records" important in court proceedings?

Public records play a crucial role in court proceedings primarily because they maintain transparency by allowing access to court documents. This accessibility ensures that members of the public, including litigants, third parties, and the media, can view and scrutinize court activities. The ability to access these records helps foster trust in the judicial system, as it allows the public to witness the conduct of legal proceedings, the rationale behind judicial decisions, and overall adherence to the rule of law. By promoting transparency, public records enable the community to engage meaningfully with the legal system and uphold accountability.

Confidentiality of legal documents is not a characteristic of public records; rather, confidentiality might apply to certain cases or documents that are sealed or otherwise protected from public view. Similarly, public records do not inherently limit access to court information, as their purpose is to provide broad access rather than restrict it. Lastly, the assertion that public records are only accessible by legal professionals is incorrect, as they are generally available to the public, allowing anyone interested to review relevant court documents.