If the job was offered on the condition of satisfactory references, and then declined because of the references obtained, then you are entitled to see them to verify the truthfulness of the reference.
With reference to the "bad". A reference must be "a true and accurate representation".
The problem is , is that if your previous employer lies about how good you are etc, and your new employer finds out different, then they can sue your previous employer
The same as you can sue your previous employer if they have lied about you in their reference.