Massachusetts state laws dictate that records showing municipal activities like court papers, police arrest records, marriage licenses, vehicular violations and more are open and available for the populace, largely because of the Massachusetts Public Records Law. All significant specifics on the many happenings of authorities, city and county courts, and local government are within these records, and are believed public unless officially redacted. This legislation, which was generally based on the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to ensure U.S. Citizens and citizens of Bridgewater have the ability to understand their protection under the law, and hold government bodies and criminals liable regarding their actions, supporting a free and open society for all.