Which statement about docket records and bound docket books is true?

• A. A bound docket book must always be kept alongside electronic records.
• B. The court must keep a bound docket book only when required by statute.
• C. The court is not required to maintain a bound docket book if information is stored electronically.
• D. The bound docket book is kept by the defendant.

Answer: (C)

Whether the official docket can be kept electronically determines the need for a bound docket book. Modern courts often rely on electronic docket systems as the official record, with statutes or rules allowing electronic records to fulfill the duties of docketing. When the information is stored and accessible electronically, a separate bound docket book is not required by law to maintain the docket’s official status. Bound books may still exist for archival or historical purposes, but they aren’t mandatory if the electronic record satisfies the statutory requirements. This is why the statement that a bound docket book is not required when information is stored electronically is the best answer.