Marriage is much more serious than it’s treated by many. In the US, the state steps in to help make the point. Like other cosmopolitan environments, there are variations among the ethnic and religious groups in joining people in matrimony. The requirements can also differ from state to state but people other than the couple are always involved. Yes, there will be a conducting official. Legal witnesses of the ceremony are also required in certain states. Even God and deceased ancestors may also be involved by religious and customary practices.

Ours is an open society. One of the biggest claims to that is our Public Records. The Freedom of Information Act mandates their availability. There are various categories of Public Records and within the range which pertains to crime violation are Arrest, Court, Inmate, Criminal, Sex Offender and Police Records along with quite a few others. Driving and Jaywalking offenses are available too if it is so wished.

The US continues to produce bad statistics in the areas of criminal violation. In terms of incarceration rate, it’s the worst among advanced countries. Greater than one in a hundred are reported to be behind bars as of the end of last year. It goes without saying that things are far from ideal but between a strong Police force and a sound public system, the situation is kept under control.