Medieval cities’ statutes included not only the laws and regulations, but also arranged the urban lifestyle. Labin got its statute in the 14th century, which remained effective for the next four and a half centuries, until the fall of Venice. At that time, Labin was ruled by the patriarchs of Aquileia, led by Patriarch Bertrand. On August 17th 1341 declared the statute which contained a horrible provision known as ‘Cauldron Law’ (lex caldarie).

This provision applied on proving guilt or innocence of the defendants for a crime. The proceedings took place in the parish church and were supervised by two town councillors and a judge. The suspect had to hand-drawn a pebble stone out of cauldron full of boiling water, in only three attempts. If he failed, the guilt was proven. If someone luckily managed to do so, after that he had to carry a waxed glove for three days.

His guilt or innocence depended on traces of burns on his hand, if the hand was burned, he was found guilty and fined, and if not, he was set free. Because of the historical significance of the statute August 17th is now celebrated as the Labin Town Day.