What does "held off the record" mean in court?

Asked by: Miss Athena Waelchi II  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (54 votes)

Off the record: This is what the judge says when he or she wants to say something or wants to hold a discussion that he or she does not want to appear in the court record. For example, plea bargaining discussions between lawyers and the judge usually are held off the record.

What does held off the record mean?

“On the record” means the events and statements are being recorded by the court reporter. “Off the record” means they are not.

Why would a hearing be held off the record?

"Off the record" conversations allow lawyers to discuss sensitive matters without the risk of public disclosure, thereby protecting client interests. However, lawyers can and will report back to their clients as to what was said.

What does it mean to be held on the record?

On the record means an appeal procedure in which the decision is based on the record established at the initial hearing. New information may be added only under certain limited circumstances.

Does off the record hold up in court?

Unfortunately, an “off the record” agreement often doesn't qualify as a legally binding contract because it lacks one or more of the elements that make up a valid contract.

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35 related questions found

Does "off the record" mean anything?

Off the record (journalism), a communication that may not be publicly disclosed.

How long does off the record last?

Once you are unhooked or escape from the hook, Off the Record activates for 60/70/80 seconds. While Off the Record is active, your aura will not be shown to The Killer and grunts of pain caused by injuries are reduced by 100%.

What does held mean in a court case?

Held in the context of a legal judgment or pronouncement means decided or ruled , as in "the court held that the contract was valid." The holding of the court is binding, and it can only be set aside by appealing the judgment before a higher forum .

Can a judge go back and change his ruling?

The request for reconsideration must clearly show an error of fact or law material to the decision. The Judge may also reconsider a decision on his or her own initiative.

What does "on the record" mean in court?

On the record means that something has been officially recorded as evidence in a legal proceeding, like a trial or deposition. It can also mean that a statement is intended to be quoted or attributed to someone.

Do recorded conversations hold up in court?

Two-party consent

States like California, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan and Montana require the consent of all parties of the conversation before taping is allowed. Otherwise, it will be illegal, and not admissible in court.

Why would a court record disappear?

More than 20 days passed since the defendant was acquitted or the case was dismissed (without the pursuance of an appeal), or it has been at least 13 months since the prosecution dropped the case with a nolle prosequi decision. The case's defendant was granted an absolute pardon.

What is an example of off the record?

The phrase 'Off the Record' is used when you'd like the listener to keep your comments confidential. Example of Use: “This is off the record, but I think Jim cheated on the entrance exam.”

What does hold on records mean?

Authorized University staff and faculty may impose holds on student records for financial, student conduct, or academic reasons. A hold may prevent a student from obtaining an official transcript, registering for courses, or making registration changes.

Is off the record legally binding?

For an off-the-record conversation, it's important to make one thing clear – it's not a legally binding agreement. In journalism, this is an honor system. If you do decide to go off the record, there are a few recommended steps to protect yourself and your brand: Written confirmation.

Who can override a judge's decision?

The court of appeals may review the factual findings made by the trial court or agency, but generally may overturn a decision on factual grounds only if the findings were “clearly erroneous.”

Can a judge use your past against you?

The presentation of character evidence is often forbidden by California's evidentiary laws. This means that the prosecution cannot use evidence of wrongdoings you have previously committed (whether or not they were crimes) to show that you committed the alleged crime.

Can a judge undo a sentence?

A judge has the power to alter a sentence before the sentence has been entered into the minutes and before the defendant has begun serving the sentence. Once a sentence has been entered, then the judge must rely on some specific statute to modify a sentence.

Is held the same as ruling?

A court's decision on a matter of law in civil procedure is called a "holding." It frequently refers to a ruling on a crucial issue that decides the outcome of the entire case .

How long can they hold you in court?

Most states allow prosecutors up to 72 hours after an arrest to file charges, although some states, like California, allow only 48 hours. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time limit, the court has to release you. Failure to do that is a violation of your rights.

How does off the record work?

Here's the common terminology:

“I often hear about reporters who don't clarify this and their sources end up feeling duped.” Off the record: Nothing the source says during a discussion can be used in any way, shape or form. “You cannot put this into your article,” Cunningham says.

How much time does a record hold?

A 12″ DMM Standard record at 33 rpm can hold 22 minutes of music on one side, though the recommended value is 20 minutes. It is possible to extend this to 26 minutes for compressed music or 28 minutes for dynamic music; however, this is not recommended due to potential sound quality degradation.

How long do most convictions stay on your record?

Simply stated, a misdemeanor conviction will stay on a person's record for the rest of their life. With that said, an option people have to remove the misdemeanor from their record is more formerly known as expungement.