What is contained within the Official Record?

The Official Record serves as a comprehensive account of legal proceedings and their outcomes, and it is centered around transcripts of court proceedings. These transcripts provide an accurate and detailed written documentation of everything that occurred during a court session, including everything stated by the judge, attorneys, and witnesses.

Transcripts are essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial process, as they can be reviewed and referenced in future legal matters or appeals. They encapsulate the verbatim dialogue and the context of the proceedings, making them a fundamental component of the Official Record.

While witness testimonies are part of what can be included in the transcripts, they alone do not represent the entirety of the Official Record. Similarly, judicial opinions and settlements may be related to the case but do not constitute the core element of courtroom documentation. The focus on transcripts underscores their importance in preserving the integrity of court proceedings and legal documentation.