Maryland state guidelines dictate that records recording public activities such as court papers, police arrest records, marriage licenses, vehicular transgressions and more are open and offered to the public, largely due to the Maryland Public Information Act. All crucial information about the multitude of happenings of law enforcement officials, municipal courts, and local government are found in these records, and generally are assumed public unless formally redacted. People of Ridgely have the ability to better realize their rights thanks to these laws, and the transparency provided by the release of these records helps to keep both criminals and legislators liable with regard to their actions, consequently leading to a more open and free society for all.