procèsverbal

Procès-verbal is a written record of proceedings or events that functions as minutes, a formal report, or a sworn statement. It is used in many French-speaking jurisdictions and in international administration to document official actions, decisions, or facts. The term is a masculine noun in French, with the plural form procès-verbaux.

In law and public administration, a procès-verbal may refer to various kinds of official records. Examples include the minutes of a council meeting (procès-verbal d'assemblée), a police or judicial report documenting facts (procès-verbal d'infraction, de constat), or a deposition. The document typically summarizes statements, actions taken, and conclusions, and is signed by the authorizing officer or secretary.

Content and format vary by jurisdiction, but common elements include the date and place, the participants, a narrative of events, references to applicable laws, and the signatures of responsible officials. Attachments such as photographs, statements, or exhibits may be listed. A procès-verbal is intended to be an accurate, objective record with evidentiary value in subsequent proceedings.

Etymology and usage: the phrase derives from French, literally "verbal process" or "record of spoken words." In English, the loanword is encountered mainly in francophone contexts or international institutions and is used to denote an official written record rather than a spoken account.