During your research for Pennsylvania public records, try limiting the hunt to include the county as opposed to the entire state for better search results. So, for example, you can look for York county birth records, York county death records or other types of York county public records, instead of doing a broad, general hunt through Pennsylvania public records.

Gaining access to York county public records wasn't always this easy a job to carry out. Prior to being able to view or request these types of documents online, you would have to travel to get them. In some rare cases you may have been able to contact someone to get materials mailed to you, but that is only if the items were even allowed to be accessed by the public.

The recent inception of the “Right to Know” law made it possible for citizens to get public records. Prior to the law, many materials were not even available to the public. That has changed because of the 2008 law change. Now, you can request York county court records, York county birth records and other types of vital records or York county public records.

The “Right to Know” Law

This Pennsylvania state law went into effect February 14, 2008. It enabled the general public to gain access to materials that were previously considered restricted. While there are still some limitations to what the public can view, the law has made record retrieval a possibility for residents and non-residents. Besides, the restrictions are mainly to protect the well being of others.

The “Right to Know” law also makes it possible for citizens to petition the court if denied access to records that are supposed to be public. Both members of the general public and the media are included in who can use this law to their benefit. Aside from York county court records, marriage records, birth records or other public records, the guidelines may also include film, tapes, books or letters as part of the “public record” classification.

Restrictions to the Law

While citizens now have access to documentation such as York county public records, there are some restrictions. For example, materials that have social security or drivers license numbers are still off limits. Other materials, including those deemed “classified” can be included.

Also, trade secrets and proprietary records are restricted. Documentation that gives away the home address of someone like a judge or member of law enforcement –is also not allowed. Before conducting your search, find out if what you are looking for is available as public record or not. Take advantage of the Pennsylvania “Right to Know” law and get your copies of York county public records.