actas

Actas are formal records that document the proceedings, decisions, and participants of a meeting, assembly, or event. In many Spanish-speaking legal and administrative systems, an acta (plural actas) serves as the official written record of what occurred, and is often used as evidence of decisions or as a basis for future action. The term comes from Latin acta, meaning things done.

Content and structure: A typical acta includes the heading (institution, date, place), a list of attendees and absences, the approved agenda, a narrative or itemized account of deliberations, the decisions or resolutions adopted, the vote tally if applicable, and closing remarks. It ends with the signatures of the secretary and the presiding official, sometimes with a seal or stamp, and may include attachments or appendices.

Types and scope: Acta de sesión or acta de reunión records meetings; acta de asamblea for assemblies; actas notariales are issued or certified by a notary; and there are civil certificates such as acta de nacimiento, acta de matrimonio, and acta de defunción, which certify events. In many jurisdictions, actas have legal force and may be used as evidence or to confirm rights, responsibilities, and deadlines. Some organizations maintain minutes in both paper and digital formats.

Digital era: Electronic actas with digital signatures, audit trails, and secure storage; retention policies; public access vs. privacy; and standards vary by country.

Related terms include minutes (consolidated records of meetings) and notarial acts (certified documents produced by a notary).