Public Records: How to Find Free Public Information

Public records and free information are the bedrock of democracy. They allow us to keep an eye on the government, make sure our judicial system functions properly, and learn more about the actions taken by both elected and non elected officials.In the past 50 years, legislation passed on the state and federal level has clarified the public’s right to access records held by government bodies without the need of a statement of intent, while placing restrictions on an agency’s right to deny access to records.In this guide, we’ll show you what public records are, how to get access to most of the information for free or for a low cost, and where to turn for most of the information you’ll need. If you have the time and patience, you can generally get access to what you need.Table of Contents1 Public Records: Best Public Record Sites Reviewed1.1 What Are Public Records?1.2 Public Records Providers Reviews1.3 Federal Public Records1.3.1 The Freedom of Information Act1.3.2 Court Records1.3.3 Ba...