Tribunal of Waters in Valencia keeps no records

  • Tribunal of Waters meets every Thursday beside the Cathedral
Tribunal of Waters meets every Thursday beside the Cathedral
 

Access to water for farmers in Valencian meadow, in Spain, is decided by a 1000 years old court with roots stretching back to the Roman Empire (or beyond). The Valencian Tribunal of Waters takes no notes, has no lawyers, no building (sessions are held in the street, next to the Cathedral), and all evidence is verbal. Even more, their decisions have always been so respected that it hasn't ever been required to appeal them at any traditional court. Altogether, that's why Tribunal of Waters was recognised by the United Nations as an "intangible cultural heritage" organisation.