To What Records Is the Public Entitled Access?

It has already been noted that the legislature intended the fullest possible public access to public records. But what are public records? Generally speaking, the courts have ruled that “[i]n those instances where documents have been made or received in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency, then a presumption of openness exists, and the documents are public records within the meaning of  T.C.A.. § 10-7-503.”^[1]  Access is not limited by the format in which the record or information is kept. However, the presumption of openness is overcome whenever state law provides that a record shall be kept confidential.