4.1.2 Records and types of documents

Records are defined in Tryckfrihetsförordningen (the law regulating access to public documents and freedom of speech) Chapter 2. § 3:

Records are the representation in writing or image as well as recordings that can be read, intercepted or otherwise perceived by technical means only. 

Records are independent of medium.

There are different types of documents:

Work document - is draft or concept for government decision or letter as well as memorandum notes. The document is not a public record if it has not been expedited or handed over for filing. Work documents are also notes taken in support of memory and any notes made in order to support work regarding a case or its presentation. If a work document is relevant to a case it should be preserved.

Public records – Documents are considered public records if they are kept, have arrived at, or been completed at a public authority such as a university.

Confidential documents – Public documents may be considered confidential in accordance with Offentlighets- och sekretesslagen (the law that governs access to public documents) with respect to:

  • the security of the nation or its relationship with another state or inter-governmental organization, the government's fiscal policy, monetary policy or currency policy,
  • an authority’s work with regards to inspection and supervision,
    the prevention or prosecution of crimes,
  • the financial interests of the government and,
  • the protection of personal or economic circumstances of the individual or
    interest in preserving animal or plant species.

Documents available to the public – Any public record is available to the public if there is no reason for it to be confidential and if it is not confidential any such document should be presented upon request.