Key legal documents direct the governance and operation of the Town. These documents and records may be of interest for citizens, as they provide insight to government processes. Much of the Town's regulations, policies, and procedures are derived from State regulations and Massachusetts General Law.

• Town Code: The main document that founded and govern the operations of the Town, and consists of the founding Town Charter and Zoning Bylaw. New policies that amend the Code are passed at Town Meeting.

• Accepted Statutes: Laws that are passed by the State Legislature, but allow for municipalities to adopt them voluntarily, which are adopted by the Town.

• Annual Town Census: Mailed out annually in early January, the Town Census allows for an accurate recording of the Town's population to help facilitate better municipal services.

• Agendas & Minutes: A full list of the agendas and meeting minutes for all boards and committees.

• Ethics Training: After someone has been elected or appointed to a governing board, they must pass state-mandated ethics training to understand conflict-of-interest law.

• Open Meeting Law: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has careful rules around the operation of open meetings to ensure clarity and transparency.

• Public Records Requests: If you're interested in obtaining a copy of a public record, please consult this page to access the Public Records Requests web portal as well as guidelines to understand how the process works. (*Police Department records requests can be submitted via email to publicrecords@police.dedham-ma.gov or by calling 781-751-9322)

• Special Laws: Similar to Accepted Statutes, but are laws with specific language about the Town.

• Vital Records: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates which are kept by the Town Clerk.