Sealing records refers to the legal process of restricting access to certain public documents, such as criminal records or court records. When records are sealed, they are not available for public inspection, which helps protect an individual's privacy and reputation. This process is often used for cases involving juvenile offenders or individuals who have completed rehabilitation programs. To seal records, individuals typically must file a petition with the court, demonstrating eligibility based on specific criteria. If granted, the sealed records remain confidential, and only certain entities, like law enforcement or specific employers, may access them under limited circumstances.