The Water Court resolves conflicts
that farmers have with the use of water
to irrigate their orchards and lands.
It is still celebrated the same way it was a thousand years ago.
The court is made up of 8 farmers
who are elected every 2 years by the rest of the group.
They wear the typical black shirt of the people of the orchard
and they sit in a circle
at the Door of the Apostles of the Cathedral of Valencia.
They use leather and wooden armchairs from the 17th century (17).
It is the only legislative structure that is still functioning
of all those created by King James I.
The Arabs already used this way of resolving conflicts
before James I, but he made it part of the law.
The farmers do justice by speaking Valencian
and their decisions cannot be questioned.
The way and speed with which they solve problems
makes the Court a model to follow throughout the world.
The Court performs its function in public,
young university students and foreign visitors
They usually approach to see it with curiosity.
Image. At the Apostles' Gate of Valencia Cathedral, we see the members of the Water Tribunal, dressed in classic black smocks, and a bailiff we recognize by his official cap. They are surrounded by the public.