While looking for certain Pennsylvania public records, it can make the search easier if you can narrow down the search to a specific county. It can save time and be much easier if you know the county you are looking for instead of searching through a database for the entire state collection of records. So, for instance, you would be better off searching for Lancaster county criminal records, Lancaster county death records, Lancaster county court records or any type of vital records and other public records.

Not that long ago, getting documentation such as these was not that easy to do. The internet and law changes have made it much easier to gain access to different types of Lancaster county public records. In some cases, you could maybe have been able to get someone to mail you documents, but more than likely it meant traveling to different area within the state of Pennsylvania.

Actually though, until a recent law change, you could not even get certain documentation. The “Right to Know” law has made it possible for public records to now be just that, available to the public. So, this makes things like Lancaster county death records, Lancaster marriage records and other documentation open to the public.

Understanding the “Right to Know” Law

This Pennsylvania law was put into effect on February 14, 2008 and has made it possible for citizens to have access to Lancaster county public records. There are some limitations, but generally residents and non-residents can now obtain certain records. In fact, if a person feels they have been denied access to public records they can petition the court to try to appeal the decision.

The “Right to Know” law enables the general public, as well as the media, to have the freedom to obtain public records. Types of documentation would be Lancaster criminal records or marriage records but also might include books, letters, films, tapes as well as other resources.

Restrictions of the Law

Though it is possible to get different kinds of Lancaster county public records, there are some limitations. Documents with identifiable numbers like social security and drivers licenses cannot be accessed. Also, anything that could give someone access to the home address of, say, a judge or member of law enforcement is off limits. Also, things like DNA reports are not obtainable by the public.

To obtain documentation and public records you can do so through different websites or in person. The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records or the Lancaster county courthouse would be good places to start. Take advantage of the Pennsylvania “Right to Know” Law and obtain your Lancaster County Public Records.