

How should governments respond to the 'sovereign citizen' movement? || Insiders: On Background
15 snips Aug 29, 2025
Joe McIntyre, an Associate Professor from the University of South Australia, discusses the rise of the sovereign citizen movement and its implications. He explores the mindset of its followers, the pandemic's role in radicalization, and the threats they pose to law enforcement. The chat reveals how misinformation on social media fuels this movement and raises concerns about firearms and violence. McIntyre emphasizes mental health connections and advocates for better civic education to counteract these dangerous ideologies.
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Pseudo-Law Movement Defined
- Sovereign citizens form part of a broader pseudo-law movement that mimics legal language without being law.
- They believe in selective consent to laws, taking benefits while rejecting obligations.
Pick-Your-Own-Law Mentality
- Adherents pick and choose which laws apply, treating legal obligations as optional.
- That selective approach lets them claim rights while denying responsibilities.
Courtroom Intimidation Example
- Supporters sometimes attend court en masse and intimidate staff or try to intervene in proceedings.
- Judges have fled courts when crowds approached, and sheriffs had to restore order.