A public record is any document or piece of information that is created or maintained by a government agency and is accessible to the public. This can include documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, court records, and property deeds. Public records are important for transparency and accountability in government operations. Access to public records is often governed by laws, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the United States. Individuals can request these records, and agencies are typically required to provide them unless there are specific legal exemptions. Public records help citizens stay informed about government activities and decisions.