Maryland state guidelines stipulate that records revealing public actions including court papers, arrest records, marriage licenses, vehicular violations and more are open and accessible to the populace, largely due to the Maryland Public Information Act. All crucial details about the many happenings of law enforcement officials, local courts, and local government are incorporated into these records, and generally are deemed public unless officially redacted. This legislation, which was generally using the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to guarantee U.S. Citizens and residents of Silver Spring have the ability to realize their privileges, and hold government bodies and criminals liable with regard to their actions, supporting a free and open society for everyone.