Minutes - Definition and Overview

Minutes are the instant written record of a meeting or hearing. They often give an overview of the structure of the meeting, starting with a list of those present, a statement of the various issues before the participants, and each of their responses thereto. They are often created at the moment of the hearing by the secretary of the meeting, who may record the meeting in shorthand, and then retype the minutes and issue them to the participants afterwards. The minutes of certain entities, such as a corporate board of directors, must be kept and are important legal documents.