What term should be used in court when the exact information is not known?

Using the term "approximately" in court is appropriate when the exact information is not known because it conveys a sense of estimation while acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in the data provided. This term suggests that the figure or detail is close to a specific value but should not be taken as an exact representation.

In legal contexts, precise language is crucial, and when witnesses or officials cannot provide exact measurements or details, using "approximately" helps maintain clarity and credibility, while indicating that the information is based on the best available knowledge. This term is often used in legal settings to qualify statements without diminishing their relevance or importance.

In contrast, terms like "accurately" or "exactly" imply a level of certainty and precision that may not be justifiable if the information is uncertain. Using "roughly" could imply a broader level of inaccuracy, which might not align with the formal tone required in court.

Thus, "approximately" serves as the most suitable choice to express information with some degree of uncertainty while still being reliable in a legal framework.