By: Joel Stephen Mattson
In the world of corporate courts, your presence is their power. Most people think that showing up to court is a harmless act of responsibility. But in administrative proceedings, especially Article I courts, your physical appearance is often used as evidence of consent.
That means the moment you step into the room and say your name—you’ve just entered their jurisdiction.
This is one of the most destructive legal traps in the entire system.
The Presumption of Presence
In constitutional courts, due process is required before jurisdiction is assumed. But in administrative courts:
- The moment you appear, they presume you’ve agreed to be governed by the court
- They don’t prove jurisdiction—they presume it based on your participation
- If you speak, respond, or comply, it’s treated as voluntary submission
You just turned yourself from a living man/woman into a contractual fiction—and they will never tell you that’s what happened.
Showing Up Is Not Always Harmless
While courts pretend your appearance is mandatory, it’s only mandatory if jurisdiction already exists.
If the court lacks:
- A valid contract
- Proof of Article III jurisdiction
- Proper legal standing
Then your appearance can actually give them the authority they didn’t have before. Your presence can legitimize an otherwise fraudulent proceeding.
The Smart Way to Handle It
- File your notices in advance
- Notice of Non-Consent
- Affidavit of Status
- Demand for Proof of Jurisdiction
- Send all filings by certified mail to prove delivery
- If you do appear, don’t engage
- Verbally state: “I am here under duress to object to jurisdiction.”
- Do not answer to the name in ALL CAPS
- Do not enter a plea unless jurisdiction is proven first
- Put everything on the record
- If they proceed without proving jurisdiction, it’s a due process violation
What Happens If You Don’t Show Up?
They may issue a default ruling or warrant—but if you’ve properly filed your jurisdictional challenge and affidavit of truth in advance, that ruling is made without lawful jurisdiction.
Later, you can file:
- A Motion to Vacate Judgment
- A challenge for violation of due process
Because a court with no jurisdiction cannot render binding decisions.
Final Word: Presence Is Not Innocent
In a lawful court, presence is neutral.
In an administrative court, presence is power—for them.
Know when to appear. Know how to appear. And never give them jurisdiction just by showing up.
Next Article in the Series: How to Stop a Court from Proceeding Without Jurisdiction
Back to Consent Trap Series Overview: Consent Trap Landing Page