A Notary Public is asked by a private citizen to allow them to inspect a journal entry for a document notarized six months prior. The citizen provides a written request specifying the month, year, and type of document. What is the Notary Public's appropriate response?
- ADirect the citizen to obtain a subpoena duces tecum to compel production of the journal.
- BProvide a certified copy of the journal entry, redacting all information except the date, time, type of act, and character of the document.
- CAllow the citizen to personally inspect the journal entry in the Notary's presence.
- DRefuse the request, as private citizens are not permitted to inspect or receive copies of journal entries.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Provide a certified copy of the journal entry, redacting all information except the date, time, type of act, and character of the document.
A Notary Public must provide a certified copy of a journal entry upon a written request from a private citizen, provided the request specifies the month, year, and type of document. However, the Notary must redact all information from the copy except for the date, time, type of notarial act, and the character of the document. Personal inspection by a private citizen is not permitted.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Requiring a subpoena for a private citizen's request is incorrect; the Notary has a statutory duty to provide a certified copy under specific conditions.
- C. Private citizens are not permitted to personally inspect the journal; only certified copies with redactions are allowed.
- D. Refusal is incorrect if the written request meets the statutory requirements.
Journal Entry Inspection/Copy (Private Citizen)
Upon a proper written request from a private citizen, a California Notary Public must provide a certified copy of a journal entry, redacting all information except the date, time, type of act, and character of the document. Personal inspection is not permitted.
- Request must be written.
- Request must specify month, year, and type of document.
- Only a certified copy is provided, not direct inspection.
- Extensive redaction is required on the certified copy.
Memory trick: Private 'eyes' get a 'redacted' copy, never 'touch' the book.