Legal Definitions - birth records

Definition: Birth records are official documents that contain statistical data about a person's birth, including their birth date, place of birth, and the names of their parents. These records are kept by government agencies and are used for various purposes, such as tracking population trends and verifying identity.

• A hospital records the birth of a baby and sends the information to the state's vital records office, which creates a birth certificate for the child.
• A genealogist searches birth records to trace their family tree and learn more about their ancestors.
• A government agency uses birth records to determine the number of births in a particular area and plan for future services, such as schools and healthcare facilities.

These examples illustrate how birth records are used to keep track of important information about individuals and populations. They are also used for research and planning purposes, and can provide valuable insights into demographic trends and patterns.