Massachusetts state laws dictate that records revealing municipal decisions including court papers, police arrest records, marriage licenses, traffic infractions and more are open and offered to the general public, largely as a result of the Massachusetts Public Records Law. This information contain titles, dates, specifications on situations, sentences, procedures and much more, and generally are all presumed public unless otherwise stated. This legislation, which was largely in line with the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to guarantee U.S. Citizens and occupants of West Springfield Town are able to realize their own rights, and hold authorities and criminals responsible for their actions, promoting a free and open society for all.