Because of the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, documents such as court documents, arrest records, marriage certifications, and more are obtainable for the general public to locate, examine, and obtain, and Vermonters are no different with thanks to the Vermont Public Records Law. These laws, or rather compilation of laws, provide South Shaftsbury residents the capability to search for, document, and utilize this info, which includes details about those concerned, if the event took place, the effects associated with a municipal action, and information on what transpired. Inhabitants of South Shaftsbury have the ability to better understand their rights due to these laws, and the transparency offered by the release of these records keeps both criminals and legislators culpable with regard to their actions, in turn resulting in a more open and free society for everybody.