document (redirected from documenting)

A written or printed instrument that conveys information.

The term document generally refers to a particular writing or instrument that has a bearing upon specific transactions. A deed, a marriage license, and a record of account are all considered to be documents.

When a document is signed and the signature is authentic, the law accurately expresses the state of mind of the individual who signed it. A false document is one of which a material portion is purported to have been made or authorized by someone who did not do so. It can also be a document that is falsely dated or which has allegedly been made by or on behalf of someone who did not in fact exist.

An ancient document is a writing presumed by the court to be genuine due to its antiquity, because it has been produced from a reliable source where it would be logically found, and because it has been carefully kept.

A private document is any instrument executed by a private citizen. A public document is one that is or should legally be readily available for inspection by the public, as a document issued by Congress or a governmental department.

Judicial documents include inquisitions, depositions, examinations, and affidavits.

Cross-references

Ancient Writing.

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document n. a popular generic word among lawyers for any paper with writing on it. Technically it could include a piece of wood with a will or message scratched on it. (See: documentary evidence)

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document noun book, certificate, confirmation, diploma, evidence, evidentiary record, instrument, litterae, official publication, paper, proof, record, recorded material, register, report, tabula, verification, writ, written material
Associated concepts: allograph, ancient documents, cancellation of document, document of a public nature, document of title, integrated document, legal documents, public doccment

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document verb assemble the facts, authenticate, back, bear out, buttress, circumstantiate, collect evidence, confirm, corroborate, demonstrate, establish, evidence, fortify, give references, justify, make certain, make evvdent, manifest, prove, provide with documents, provide with proof, show, strengthen, substantiate, support, uphold, validate, verify

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See also: adduce, attest, bear, blank, certify, cite, confirm, corroborate, deed, dossier, establish, evidence, file, form, index, itemize, note, quote, record, relate, roll, show, state, sustain, verify, will