South Carolina state guidelines dictate that records showing municipal actions including court papers, arrest records, marriage certificates, traffic infractions and more are open and offered to the public, largely as a result of the South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act. All relevant facts about the many happenings of law enforcement, local courts, and local government are found in these records, and generally are presumed public unless formally redacted. Residents of Swansea have the ability to better recognize their rights because of these laws, and the transparency available from the release of these records keeps both criminals and authorities responsible with regard to their actions, consequently leading to a more open and free society for all.