By: Joel Stephen Mattson

Most people walk into a courtroom assuming it’s a legitimate court of law. They think their rights are intact, the judge is impartial, and justice will be served. But if you’re not paying attention, you might already be inside an administrative tribunal—not a constitutional court.

This article will show you how to spot the signs of an Article I court and what you can do to get out of it.

First, Know the Difference

Article III courts:

• Created by the Constitution
• Judges serve for life
• Bound to uphold constitutional protections
• Operate under judicial power

Article I courts (Administrative Tribunals):

• Created by Congress
• Judges have limited terms
• Operate under legislative power
• Bound to policy, not the Constitution
• Require consent to have jurisdiction

(Read: What Is an Article I Court? And Why You’re Being Tried in One Without Knowing)

Clues That You’re in an Administrative Court

1. The Judge Is Called a “Magistrate”
   • If the person on the bench is a magistrate, not a district judge, you’re in an Article I court.
2. No Lifetime Appointment
   • Ask: Is this judge appointed for life under Article III? If not, it’s not a constitutional court.
3. The Word “Consent” Is Never Mentioned
   • They proceed without asking for consent—but they rely on your silence as agreement.
4. You’re Not Informed of Your Right to Refuse
   • If no one told you that you can object to a magistrate judge, that’s a red flag. Under 28 U.S.C. §636, consent is required.
5. No Mention of Article III
   • If the judge or clerk can’t confirm you’re in an Article III court, you’re probably not.
6. You’re Being Tried on Policy, Not Law
   • When the court enforces codes, regulations, or administrative rules rather than constitutional principles—you’re in the wrong place.

What to Do If You Are

Step 1: Assert Your Rights Immediately

• Verbally state: “I do not consent to this court’s jurisdiction.”
• Ask on the record: “Is this an Article I or Article III court?”

Step 2: File Written Objections Use a titled filing such as:

• “Notice of Non-Consent to Magistrate Jurisdiction”
• “Demand for Article III Constitutional Court”

(For step-by-step help, read: How to Withdraw Consent and Demand a Constitutional Court)

Step 3: Challenge Jurisdiction on the Record

• Ask the court to prove jurisdiction.
• Reference 28 U.S.C. §636 and Article III, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution.
• State: “Jurisdiction must be proven, not presumed.”

Step 4: Refuse to Waive Inalienable Rights

• Remind the court that inalienable rights cannot be waived unknowingly.
• Reference Boykin v. Alabama and Brady v. U.S.—both cases establish that waivers must be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent.

Don’t Be Intimidated by the Robe

Administrative courts depend on fear, silence, and ignorance. But once you assert your position, you put the burden on them to prove authority they don’t have.

And they can’t.

Final Word: If It’s Not a Court of Record, It’s a Corporate Theater

Don’t be fooled by the bench, the flags, or the rituals. If you’re not in an Article III court, you’re not in a lawful court.

You’re in a corporate tribunal posing as justice.

Withdraw consent. Demand jurisdiction. Enforce your rights.

Because the minute you identify where you really are—you can start taking back control.

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Next Article in the Series: Checklist: Is This a Real Court or a Corporate Tribunal?

Back to Consent Trap Series Overview: Consent Trap Landing Page