Judges from the Yunyang county people's court in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality hear cases and promote laws and regulations on boats or at the local wharf in Gaoyang county.

Many residents were relocated here because of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric facility.

Since September, 2010, circuit courts have been set up on boats to provide judicial services for local fishermen and residents.

Each year, an average of 560 cases in the area -- concerning water, fishing, forestry and use of pastures -- are heard on boats.\

Judges from the Yunyang county people's court in Chongqing convene on a boat. [Photo by Rao Guojun/People's Court Daily]