South Dakota state guidelines stipulate that records documenting public actions including court papers, arrest records, marriage licenses, traffic transgressions and more are open and available for the general public, largely because of the South Dakota Open Meetings Law. This legislation, itself in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act at the country wide level, gives Spearfish residents with specifics associated with cases of governmental intervention, including the addresses and names of those involved, the activities leading up an incidence, results and sentences passed down, and much more. This legislation, that is largely based on the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to guarantee U.S. Citizens and residents of Spearfish are able to comprehend their privileges, and hold regulators and criminals culpable regarding their actions, supporting a free and open culture for everyone.