Law Report 'Sovereign citizens' in the courts
Dec 19, 2023
Mark Douglas, a New South Wales Magistrate with a keen insight into the 'sovereign citizen' phenomenon, discusses its troubling rise in local courts. He explores how these self-represented litigants challenge traditional legal norms with pseudo-legal arguments. The conversation highlights the chaos they cause within the court system and the significant strain on magistrates. Douglas also addresses the commercialization of these movements, warning about the risks for individuals misled by dubious legal claims, especially amid the pandemic's unique challenges.
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Sovereign Arguments Overload Court Lists
- Magistrate Mark Douglas found many regional courts see dozens of sovereign citizens, which strains busy local court lists.
- These pseudo-legal pleas often turn routine matters into lengthy contested hearings that multiply required time by three or four.
Not-Guilty Pleas Inflate Minor Cases
- Many pseudo-legal challenges are lodged as not-guilty pleas rather than technical defenses in minor offending matters.
- That converts matters normally finalised by plea into contested hearings, lengthening court processes significantly.
Magistrates Sued In Parallel Pseudolaw
- Magistrates reported receiving registered mail and lawsuits from sovereign citizens after cases conclude.
- Mark Douglas is personally being sued for $10 million under the litigant's own pseudo-legal framework.