States within the union maintain records on documents, vehicular traffic infractions, marriage and divorce licenses, property and lien records, and much more, and due to the Oregon Public Records Law, these records are offered to the public. All crucial information on the many happenings of law enforcement officials, local courts, and local government are incorporated into these records, and generally are assumed public unless formally redacted. People of Cape Meares are able to better recognize their rights due to these laws, and the transparency provided by the release of these records helps to keep both criminals and regulators liable with regard to their actions, in turn leading to a more open and free society for everybody.