Massachusetts state regulations determine that records showing public actions such as court papers, police arrest records, marriage certificates, traffic violations and more are open and offered to the general public, largely as a result of the Massachusetts Public Records Law. All pertinent details about the multitude of happenings of law enforcement, city courts, and local government are contained in these records, and generally are deemed public unless officially redacted. This legislation, which was largely using the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to ensure U.S. Citizens and residents of Deerfield are able to realize their protection under the law, and hold government bodies and criminals liable with regard to their actions, supporting a free and open society for all.