By: Joel Stephen Mattson
You’ve probably heard phrases like “color of law,” “jurisdiction,” or “consent.” But none of those mean anything until you understand the foundation they all stand on: contract.
Here’s the hard truth—everything the government does to you relies on the existence of a contract.
No contract? No obligation. No jurisdiction. No authority.
The Legal World Runs on Agreement
Contracts are the backbone of the legal system:
- They establish relationships
- They define duties
- They create consequences
Government power is no different. In order for any court, agency, or enforcement officer to act against you lawfully, they must:
- Prove a valid contract exists
- Show that it was entered knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally
And they almost never do.
How the System Tricks You Into “Agreeing”
Here’s how the fraud works:
- You get a ticket, citation, or court summons
- You show up, thinking it’s mandatory
- You say your name, enter a plea, or answer questions
- BAM. The system claims you’ve entered a contract
But where’s the signed agreement? Where’s the full disclosure?
There isn’t one. The court is operating on implied consent—a legal fiction that has no force unless you accept it.
“All Law Is Contract” in Action
Let’s apply this concept to a real-world situation:
- You receive a property tax bill on patented land.
- You never signed a deed accepting tax liability.
- You never agreed to be a corporate fiction or federal citizen.
- You challenge jurisdiction and receive no response.
Result: The court is frozen. It can’t proceed without proof of a contract—and it has none.
(See related: How Joel’s Property Tax Case Proves Courts Need Consent to Act)
The Constitution Is a Contract
Even the Constitution is a contract. It binds government actors, not the People. It says:
- Government exists with the consent of the governed
- The people have unalienable rights that cannot be waived without agreement
- Powers not delegated are reserved to the people
So if no contract exists between you and the government, and you never agreed to waive rights—you’re not bound by corporate codes, statutes, or tribunals.
Legal Maxims That Prove the Point
- “Consent makes the law.” A contract is law between the parties.
- “No one is bound to obey that which does not apply to them.”
- “A law repugnant to the Constitution is void.” — Marbury v. Madison
These aren’t just quotes. They are the backbone of every legal victory based on withdrawing consent.
What to Ask Every Time
- Where is the contract?
- Where is the signature?
- Where is the full disclosure?
- Where is the proof that I agreed?
If they can’t show it, they have no lawful authority over you.
Final Word: If You Didn’t Agree, They Can’t Enforce It
All law is contract. And every attempt to govern you without agreement is a fraud in motion.
Don’t argue statutes. Demand contracts. Don’t beg for rights. Assert standing. Don’t play their game. Withdraw your consent.
Because once you understand that consent creates law, you’ll never look at a courtroom—or a government office—the same way again.
Next Article in the Series: The Clearfield Doctrine: Why Government Must Operate as a Corporation When Dealing with the People
Back to Consent Trap Series Overview: Consent Trap Landing Page