Access To Historical Documents

[homelesspoet]

I live in Alberta, Canada. I am interested in religious history (non-professional) and want to explore the possibility of filing a suit against institutions (in general) and the Vatican (in particular) to prevent the accuistion and subsequent destruction and/or exclusive access and/or prohibition from all access of religiously and/or historically significant documents and/or artifacts from the public at large. As well, I would like to consider the likelyhood of successfully suing for access to currently "owned" documents/artifacts.

This would, I assume, be a mater for an international court. To which institution would one file? Is a lawyer necessary, as financial considerations might prevent me retaining counsel? Can it be done anonymously? Can an individual file a class-action or some other type suit on behalf of other religious institutions and/or scholars ?

What is the probability of finding a lawyer to take on such an action, and what is the likelyhood of successful outcome?

Thanks in advance.....

[Mr. Knowitall]

I doubt that you will be able to establish any general right to access the internal records of a religious organization, no matter where you sue.