Over the past 24 hours or so, it feels like we’ve stumbled through a haunted armoire straight into the realm of really poorly written fantasy where apparently a simple 42 word statement can magically shield you from reality, and I’ll be honest, I absolutely adore it. The “disclaimers” we’ve seen flying around on this hellsite has given me no small amusement, and it’s because this is something that has been tried time and time again in the past, and has always failed spectacularly (and hilariously).
So, before everyone who rolled out their 42 word disclaimer gets too comfortable with their DIY legal shields, let’s take a meander this morning through the absurd and, frankly, batshit crazy world of the “Sovereign Citizen” and “Freeman on the Land” movement (or in actual legal terms, Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Arguments*).
First, let’s address the incidents over the past 24 hours and how they link up:
Wootton’s et al’s “disclaimer” is eerily reminiscent of the tactics employed by “Sovereign Citizens”. For those of you who are blissfully unaware, “Sovereign Citizens” are a group of people who believe they can essentially opt out of the law (this group overlaps heavily with both far-right and anti-vax movements, btw). The oh so gullible group of poppets have somehow managed to convince themselves that by stringing together some choice phrases and invoking archaic documents, they’re instantly immune to the rules that govern the rest of us mere mortals. It’s the legal equivalent of saying “abracadabra” in court and expecting the judge to disappear.
Spoiler: it won’t.
“Sovereign Citizens” often cling to the Magna Carta** (once amusing called the “Mango Charter” by one of the poor dears), that dusty old document from 1215 – as though it’s their personal golden ticket to freedom – specifically believing rather vociferously in Article 61. They are utterly convinced that it grants them immunity from everything, from paying taxes to abiding by traffic laws (and, of course, getting vaccines, but that’s a whole other can of worms).
It matters not one tiny iota to them that the Magna Carta was about feudal barons and a very grumpy King John, and has absolutely nothing to do with modern law. It’s like trying to charge a smartphone with a potato – laughably ineffective and doomed from the start.
And it gets better – so, so much better. Some of our dear “Sovereign Citizens” have gone so far as to declare their cars as “embassies” to avoid parking tickets, or insist that writing their names in ALL CAPS somehow voids any legal documents. Yes, you read that right – ALL CAPS. Imagine believing that the damned shift key and making it look like you only know how to shout on the intervoids suddenly holds the power to invalidate any and all legal proceedings. If this sounds like the plot of a bad sitcom, that’s because it essentially is – only these people are serious, and the consequences are all too real, and very much as you would expect.
For example, the time a British “Sovereign Citizen” tried to argue that because he had declared himself a “freeman-on-the-land,” the court had no jurisdiction over him. The judge, not being fluent in weapons grade batshit, swiftly dismissed his claims and sentenced him as usual. Or the guy who thought he could avoid a speeding ticket by claiming that, since his vehicle was registered under his “corporate self” (another “Sovereign Citizen” gem), he wasn’t personally responsible. It should come as no surprise that he still had to pay the fine.
And then of course there’s the particularly charming offshoot, “Alpha Men Assemble” (because nothing says “insecure” quite like slapping “Alpha” in your group name). This band of merry men (and possibly the odd confused woman) believes they can train for some kind of revolution, all while clutching onto their Magna Carta fantasies like a child with a ratty comfort blanket. Of course, they’re also the ones who, during the pandemic, thought that running mock “combat” drills would prepare them to break through police lines and stop a vaccine centre with sheer force of will, baggy cargo shorts and bad haircuts.
These groups love to fling around terms like “common law constables” or “legal name fraud,” as if these quite transparently invented concepts will suddenly grant them immunity from the very real legal consequences of their actions.
Now, you might think this is all harmless fun – until you realise these same people were the ones storming hospitals, trying to kidnap COVID patients, or attempting to “seize” Edinburgh Castle under the assumption that they have some divine right to do so (they don’t).
The reality? These beliefs just have absolutely zero basis in law, and time and time again, “Sovereign Citizens” have learned this the hard (and objectively comical) way in courtrooms across the UK.
A tax dodger invoking ancient laws to avoid paying up? Fined.
A tattoo artist trying to keep his business open during lockdown with Magna Carta mumbo jumbo? Case lost.
And then there’s the bloke who thought he could dodge council tax by refusing to recognise the legitimacy of the courts because he believed he was only bound by “common law.” Guess what happened? He paid up in the end. Turns out, no amount of “freeman” rhetoric can exempt you from your civic duties.
And yet, they persist, as stubbornly deluded as ever.
The fact that has been quite clearly pointed out to these people is that it’s all fun and games until you’re standing in front of a judge, clutching your Magna Carta printout in your sweaty hands and spouting incoherent conspiracy theories about secret maritime law. The judge, unimpressed and likely exasperated and annoyed, will simply dismiss your arguments instantly and hand down your sentence as usual. There is just no amount of red ink, ALL CAPS letters, or medieval scroll-waving will save you from the reality of modern law.
So, if you’re considering jumping on the disclaimer bandwagon – you do you, but take a moment to think about what you’re really trying to achieve. Because, let’s be honest, it’s about as effective as claiming diplomatic immunity because you’ve declared your box room the independent nation “Shitforbrainanovia”. The “Sovereign Citizens” have tried these tactics for decades now, and they’ve ended up with nothing but fines, jail time, and a whole lot of wasted breath – every single time.
The long and short of this all? If you’re looking for legal protection, might I suggest sticking to facts, owning up to mistakes, and leaving the fantasy in the realm of bad television plots? It’ll save you a lot of trouble – and a very awkward day in court.
So, before you reach for your “get-out-of-reality-free” card, remember this: no amount of medieval cosplay, legal word salad, or rolling a natural 20 on your “disclaimer” check will save you from the cold, hard slap of modern law. It’s time to put away the fantasy scrolls and face the music – because in the real world, facts trump fiction every damn time.
Resources
Anti-vax protests: ‘Sovereign citizens’ fight UK Covid vaccine rollout
https://bbc.co.uk/news/59870550
How to approach sovereign citizens and a freeman-on-the-land
https://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/litigation-and-enforcement/311-litigation-features/53797-how-to-approach-sovereign-citizens-and-a-freeman-on-the-land
Shelter – Freeman on the land case law round up
https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/news_and_updates/freeman_on_the_land_case_law_round_up
Kofa v Oldham – 2024
https://bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2024/685.html
Information on why “Freeman on the Land” Peacekeepers claims have no effect on Council Tax liability
https://swansea.gov.uk/article/23740/Freeman-on-the-Land–Peacekeepers-or-similar-claims
Footnotes:
*Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Arguments (OPCA): A set of baseless legal strategies used by individuals who believe they can opt out of legal obligations like paying taxes or obeying laws. These arguments are rooted in misinterpretations of legal principles and historical documents and have no legitimacy in modern legal systems.
Magna Carta**: Often misrepresented by Sovereign Citizens as a document granting modern-day individuals the ability to opt out of laws they dislike, the Magna Carta was a 13th-century agreement between King John of England and his rebellious barons. Its relevance to contemporary legal systems is minimal, as most of its clauses were annulled or have become obsolete over time. It certainly doesn’t provide a legal basis for ignoring current laws or taxes.
The Bear
@i_iratus
KEEP US ALIVE and join us in helping to bring reality and decency back by SUBSCRIBING to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1Ll1ylCg8U19AhNl-NoTg AND SUPPORTING US where you can: Award Winning Independent Citizen Media Needs Your Help. PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/
