What is the term used to describe the act of officially preventing access to particular criminal records, without a court order?

The term that describes the act of officially preventing access to particular criminal records, without a court order, is the sealing of records. When records are sealed, they remain in existence but are not accessible to the general public or certain entities, like employers or landlords, who may otherwise access criminal history. This process serves to protect the individual’s privacy and helps mitigate the long-term consequences of having a criminal record.

Sealing is distinct from expungement, which typically involves the complete destruction of the records, and is often a more permanent solution. It also differs from vacating, which refers to nullifying a conviction rather than simply restricting access to the record. Record restriction might seem similar but can vary in implementation and legality based on jurisdiction, whereas sealing is a more widely recognized process for limiting public access while maintaining the record in a confidential status.