Legal Definitions - abstract of record

Abstract of Record

An abstract of record is a summary of a trial that provides important details for an appellate court to consider. This includes the facts of the case, all proceedings that have taken place, the decision made by the trial court, and the legal issues that need to be determined. The purpose of an abstract of record is to help the appellate court understand the history of the trial court's proceedings and to determine whether the issues presented for review on appeal were properly preserved in the lower court.

For example, let's say that a person was convicted of a crime and is now appealing their conviction. The abstract of record would provide a summary of the trial, including the evidence presented, witness testimony, and the judge's decision. It would also include any legal issues that were raised during the trial and how they were addressed by the court.

Another example would be a civil case where one party is appealing a decision made by the trial court. The abstract of record would provide a summary of the case, including the arguments made by both parties, any evidence presented, and the decision made by the trial court. It would also include any legal issues that were raised during the trial and how they were addressed by the court.

These examples illustrate how an abstract of record provides a concise summary of a trial that is useful for an appellate court to review. It helps the court understand the key details of the case and determine whether the lower court made any errors that need to be corrected.