A "redline" version of a contract is a document in progress.  The
redline version of a contract clearly shows any changes to the
document, with a line through or "strike-through" the previous
version.  In this context, I have worked with folks who are calling
documents "blackline" and "legal blackline"
versions.  Can anyone tell the difference between these two documents?

Dear darryljt-ga;

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question.

A “legal blackline” is a comparision between original documents and
revised documents. That is to say that in order to maintain a record
of all revisions, rather than incorporate changes into a single
document, comparisions are made between the first draft, second draft,
for example, in order to create a third and final draft for
consideration. All drafts are then kept as a reference so the
historical integrity of the changes, who made them and why can be
reviewed in the future.

“"It's very important in the legal environment that no original
documents are modified. They track all versions, and they never want
to touch original documents."

As seen in this example:
PRESS – MICROSOFT MALAYSIA
http://www.microsoft.com/malaysia/press/linkpage3201.htm

A “blacklined” document and a “legal blackline” are essentially the
same thing. A blacklined document is normally referred to as a “legal
blackline” only in the legal profession.

A “redline” document is much the same as a blackline document, but
usually refers to one outside the legal profession. In some instances
however, this term is misused and refers to a document draft upon
which certain statements are literally stricken with a red marker or
highlight pen, indicating that the statement should be omitted from
the final draft.

I hope you find that that my research exceeds your expectations. If
you have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. I welcome your rating and your
final comments and I look forward to working with you again in the
near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga



INFORMATION SOURCES

PRESS – MICROSOFT MALAYSIA
http://www.microsoft.com/malaysia/press/linkpage3201.htm


SEARCH STRATEGY


SEARCH ENGINE USED:

Google ://www.google.com


SEARCH TERMS USED:

REDLINE

BLACKLINE

LEGAL BLACKLINE

Alternatively used the term “document” and “documents” with each
search term.