Sovereign Citizen Movement in the U.S. and Freeman on the Land: An Exploration of Lawful Rebellion
The concept of “lawful rebellion” has captivated individuals seeking to assert autonomy from state authority. Two prominent movements embodying this philosophy are the Sovereign Citizen Movement in the United States and the Freeman on the Land Movement, which originated in the United Kingdom and Canada but has since gained global recognition.
While both movements operate under the banner of lawful rebellion, their ideologies, tactics, and legal arguments differ, yet they share a core principle: challenging the legitimacy of government authority through alternative interpretations of law.
What is the Sovereign Citizen Movement?
The Sovereign Citizen Movement in the U.S. is a loosely organized ideology rooted in the belief that individuals are not subject to most federal laws and regulations. Proponents often assert that the federal government has become illegitimate, functioning as a de facto corporation rather than a lawful governing body.
Sovereign citizens challenge statutes, taxation, licensing, and even criminal charges by invoking what they claim are common law principles or constitutional loopholes.
Core Beliefs of Sovereign Citizens:
- Strawman Theory: They believe that the government creates a separate “strawman” identity for every citizen upon their birth, represented by the capitalization of their names on legal documents. Sovereign citizens claim they can dissociate from this strawman and become a “natural” or “free” individual, immune to statutory obligations.
- Admiralty Law: Many adherents argue that most modern laws are rooted in maritime or admiralty law. Indeed, they believe it applies only to commercial entities, not natural persons.
- Redemption: Sovereign citizens sometimes attempt to reclaim their “sovereign” status through complex and often fraudulent legal filings. Some declare independence from the federal government or filing bogus liens against government officials.
Tactics:
- Filing baseless lawsuits or “paper terrorism” as a form of protest.
- Refusing to pay taxes or acquire government-issued licences (e.g., driver’s licenses).
- Challenging court jurisdiction by claiming illegitimacy of the government or court.
The Freeman on the Land Movement:
The Freeman on the Land Movement shares many parallels with the Sovereign Citizen Movement, but has its own distinct framework. Originating primarily in the UK and Canada, it also revolves around rejecting statutory laws and asserting sovereignty, often invoking natural law, common law, or divine rights.
Core Beliefs of Freemen on the Land:
- Consent to Governance: Freemen argue that individuals must explicitly consent to be governed. Of course, the argument is that without such consent, statutory laws do not apply.
- Legal Fiction: Similar to the strawman theory, Freemen believe that legal documents reference a corporate “person” rather than the individual. They attempt to separate from this entity through declarations of sovereignty.
- Notice of Understanding and Intent and Claim of Right (NOUICOR): Freemen file documents declaring their personal sovereignty and non-consent to statutory obligations, often asserting their rights to travel freely, own property without taxes, and engage in commerce without interference.
Tactics:
- Refusing government-issued identification or licensing.
- Drafting extensive legal documents outlining their non-consent to governance.
- Using pseudo-legal arguments in court to dispute fines, taxes, or other penalties.
Are Both Movements Lawful Rebellion?
At their core, both movements see themselves as engaged in lawful rebellion. This is an assertion of autonomy within what they perceive as corrupt or illegitimate systems. However, whether their actions qualify as “lawful” is a matter of contention.
- Lawful Rebellion Definition: Lawful rebellion generally involves acting within a legal framework to challenge authority. The movements use language and principles rooted in historical legal doctrines, such as Magna Carta in the UK or constitutional rights in the U.S., to argue their case.
- Reality of the Law: Courts universally reject the arguments of both movements, labelling their legal interpretations as pseudo-legal. Sovereign citizens and Freemen often misinterpret or distort legal principles to fit their views. Thus, leading to a perception of their actions as unlawful or disruptive.
- Spirit of Rebellion: Both movements embody a spirit of rebellion against centralized control, viewing government authority as overreaching. For adherents, lawful rebellion is not merely a legal challenge but a philosophical stance on self-governance and personal freedom.
Similarities Between the Movements:
- Distrust of Government: Both movements fundamentally distrust centralized authority, viewing governments as corporations or illegitimate entities.
- Legal Fiction Doctrine: The strawman theory and the corporate “person” argument are central to their beliefs.
- Paper Filings: Both rely heavily on drafting and filing pseudo-legal documents to assert their sovereignty.
- Self-Identification: Members often refuse conventional forms of identification or registration, asserting themselves as “natural persons.”
Key Differences:
| Aspect | Sovereign Citizens (U.S.) | Freemen on the Land |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | U.S. Constitution and common law principles | Natural law, Magna Carta, and divine rights |
| Geographical Origin | United States | UK and Canada |
| Court Strategy | Often confrontational; includes filing liens | Relies on declarations and NOUICOR |
Challenges and Criticisms:
- Legal Consequences: Courts have consistently ruled against the arguments presented by both movements. Members often face legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or civil lawsuits.
- Misinterpretation of Law: Legal experts critique these movements for misunderstanding and distorting legal principles, leading to confusion among followers.
- Public Perception: Both movements are often viewed as disruptive or associated with extremism, undermining their credibility.
More Comparisons
While I live in the UK as a Freeman on the Land, I distance myself from those who assume control over me. I NEVER consent to anything they have to offer. However, I am free to choose what services I subscribe to. This works for me and a few people I know, but there are still things we are working on. Indeed, they keep coming at us with controlling behaviour, and we do or best to counteract that.
So, I have put forward the similarities between the American Sovereign Citizen and British Freeman movements. Much of the information above is from my connections in the U.S. but you can see the similarities. Be that as it may, I would say that the Americans are under much more control than the people of the UK or the Commonwealth.
We think of America as the land of the free, but, In my humble opinion, this is an illusion. For example, look at my article about the American prison population and why their government need to keep their citizens locked up.
I also have another few articles about the United States of America and why freedom is just an illusion over the pond.
In Conclusion: Unified in Spirit, Divided by Context
The Sovereign Citizen and Freeman on the Land movements share a foundational commitment to autonomy and lawful rebellion, challenging the overreach of centralized authority through their interpretations of law.
While their tactics and frameworks differ, their shared distrust of modern governance unites them under the broader concept of lawful rebellion.
However, the success of their endeavours is limited by their lack of acceptance within judicial systems and broader society.
For those intrigued by these movements, it’s essential to approach their ideas critically, balancing the desire for personal sovereignty with an understanding of established legal systems and their practical implications. Whether seen as modern rebels or misinformed dissidents, both movements provoke important conversations about governance, freedom, and the law.
That said, those who operate as Sovereign Citizens and Freemen on the Land do so with one thing in common – freedom from tyranny and control.
You can believe in the narrative and be a slave to the system, of course, that is your right. However, do you want to be a part of THEIR creation? From the moment you were born, THEY want body, mind and soul, and they will assume they own you. It is up to you to break free from the chains and become free again!
Sovereign Citizen Movement Forum
We are excited to announce the launch of a dedicated forum for the Sovereign Citizen Movement, designed specifically for our American cousins. This new platform provides an invaluable opportunity for individuals who believe in personal sovereignty and the principles of individual freedom to connect, share insights, and collaborate.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the pursuit of liberty often transcends borders. Our forum aims to bridge the gap between different freedom groups across the globe, fostering a vibrant community where ideas can flourish. Members can engage in discussions about legal strategies, personal experiences, and the philosophies underpinning the movement.
This initiative not only allows for the exchange of knowledge but also strengthens the bonds between like-minded individuals. We invite you to join us in this exciting venture, whether you are a seasoned advocate or newly curious about the movement. Remember, we are here because we have the right to rebel!
Together, we can cultivate a powerful network that amplifies our voices and advocates for our shared vision of freedom. Sign up today and become part of a growing community dedicated to exploring and promoting sovereign ideals. Together, let’s pave the way for a future defined by personal liberty and autonomy. Finally, the Freeman Movement Forum is free to join.
