Vermont state laws dictate that records documenting public activities such as court documents, police arrest records, marriage certificates, traffic infractions and more are open and accessible to the populace, largely because of the Vermont Public Records Act. All essential information on the multitude of happenings of law enforcement officials, local courts, and local government are found in these records, and generally are presumed public unless officially redacted. Residents of West Brattleboro are able to better realize their rights because of these laws, and the transparency provided by 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 everybody.