Public Records
State Law
Ohio and most other states have public record acts. Based on those statutes, citizens have a right to inspect and copy many, if not most, documents maintained by state public institutions.
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Legal/Sunshine-Laws/Public-Records-Act
Federal Law
No matter what state you live in, federal law gives citizens the right to a wide range of documents held by federal institutions.
https://www.justice.gov/oip/doj-guide-freedom-information-act-0
My Public Records Experience
I have successfully obtained public records for my clients based on state and federal statutes. Those records often contain information vital my clients’ specific legal interests or to the public welfare generally.