Maryland state guidelines stipulate that records showing municipal decisions like court papers, arrest records, marriage licenses, vehicular transgressions and more are open and available for the populace, largely as a result of the Maryland Public Information Act. All relevant information about the numerous happenings of law enforcement officials, municipal courts, and local government are incorporated into these records, and generally are assumed public unless formally redacted. This legislation, that is generally using the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to guarantee U.S. Citizens and citizens of Taneytown have the ability to recognize their own legal rights, and hold authorities and criminals liable with regard to their actions, promoting a free and open culture for all.