Tenrikyo, une tradition en toge noire

Although common law is not recognised in Congolese law, it is still firmly rooted in all strata of society. The population adheres to the procedures that are governed by rituals and were passed on from one generation to the next, and the modern, official courts of justice have no choice but to grin and bear it. Appearance-wise, the judges in common law courts might look just like their more official counterparts, but in reality they are unschooled and grant their services voluntarily. Tenrikyo, une tradition en toge noire shows a number of cases in which emotionally sensitive family disputes are settled in common law court. Within the walls of the court, which is considered a sacred place, prosecutor, defendant and relatives are bound by strict rules. The eventual judgements, which are absolute, oblige them to accept time-honoured ritual solutions, according to which they are separated or re-united, or they forgive each other their trespasses. Common law assumes that every problem can be discussed. As emotions run high, the filmmakers calmly record without interfering. The fact that the judges introduce them to the courtroom would suggest that media attention for this form of jurisprudence is lacking. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)