What term describes the act of making something known in the public record?

The act of making something known in the public record is referred to as constructive notice. This legal concept asserts that information that is publicly recorded is assumed to be known to all parties, regardless of whether they have actually seen it. Constructive notice serves to protect the rights of parties who rely on public records when assessing property interests and transactions.

When a document is recorded, such as a deed, lease, or lien, it is available for anyone to review. By doing so, it fulfills the obligation to inform interested parties of existing claims or interests in property, thereby preventing any claim of ignorance about a matter that has been officially documented. This principle is crucial in title insurance, as it helps to establish the priority of claims and ensures that potential buyers are aware of any encumbrances or issues associated with a property.

The other terms do not define the act of making something known in the public record. Action pending refers to a case that is currently under litigation, and lis pendens specifically pertains to a notice that a lawsuit has been filed concerning a particular property, which is a form of constructive notice but more specialized. Laches is a legal doctrine that bars claims due to a significant delay in asserting them, which differs from the idea of making information publicly known