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Business Records
Business records are documents or electronic files created in the normal course of a company’s daily operations, such as invoices, receipts, or internal memos.
What it actually is
The term refers to writings, reports, or data compilations made at or near the time of an event by someone with knowledge, and kept in the regular practice of the business. In a court case, these records may be introduced as evidence without requiring the original author to testify, as long as a custodian or qualified witness shows they were made routinely and reliably.
Why it matters in your case
If you are in a case, business records can be used to prove facts like payments, communications, or transactions without calling every person who wrote them. Conversely, you may need to object if the opposing party’s records lack proper foundation or are not trustworthy.
The common misunderstanding
Many people assume any document from a business—like a single email or a handwritten note—automatically qualifies as a business record. In fact, the record must have been created as part of a regular, systematic procedure and not for the purpose of litigation.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.