Legal Definitions - public instrument

Definition: A public instrument is a legal document that is created by a public official, such as a notary public or a government agency. It is considered to be an official record of an event or transaction and can be used as evidence in court.

Example: A marriage certificate is a public instrument because it is created by a government agency and serves as an official record of a marriage.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a public instrument is created by a public official and serves as an official record of an event. In this case, the government agency that issues marriage certificates is the public official, and the certificate serves as an official record of the marriage. If there were any legal disputes related to the marriage, the certificate could be used as evidence in court.