As a consequence of the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, state governments put into practice their own laws relating to government record transparency, and because of Tennessee’s Open Records Act, residents of Chattanooga can take advantage of transparency in their local government. This statute, itself based on the Freedom of Information Act at the national level, offers Chattanooga residents with information concerning cases of governmental involvement, such as the addresses and names of those involved, the activities leading up an incidence, effects and sentences handed down, and much more. This legislation, which was generally using the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, are in place to guarantee U.S. Citizens and citizens of Chattanooga have the ability to comprehend their own protection under the law, and hold authorities and criminals liable with regard to their actions, promoting a free and open society for everyone.