By: Joel Stephen Mattson
When the government acts like a business, it becomes one. And when it acts like a corporation, it loses its power to compel you—unless there’s a contract.
That’s not a theory. It’s the law. It’s called the Clearfield Doctrine, and it’s the key to exposing how almost everything they do—fines, demands, threats, seizures—is not law enforcement… it’s corporate policy masquerading as law.
And once you learn how to invoke it, you can shut down their false authority in one powerful filing.
What is the Clearfield Doctrine?
The Clearfield Doctrine comes from the Supreme Court case Clearfield Trust Co. v. United States, 318 U.S. 363 (1943). In that case, the Court ruled:
“When the United States enters into commercial business, it abandons its sovereign capacity and is to be treated like any other corporation.”
That means the moment a government entity steps out of its constitutional role and starts acting in commerce—issuing fines, enforcing codes, collecting revenue—it must:
- Operate under contract
- Prove standing
- Show liability based on voluntary agreement
- Be subject to the same limitations as any private business
No contract? No authority.
Why this destroys their ability to compel performance
Most fines, tickets, and court orders are not based on law. They’re based on policy. And policy can only apply to you if:
- You agreed to it
- You entered into a contract
- You received full disclosure
- You gave informed consent
That’s why they never show you a contract. That’s why they proceed based on assumption, not evidence. And that’s why the Clearfield Doctrine is so dangerous to them: it exposes that the emperor has no clothes.
Examples of government acting in commerce
- Traffic citations issued by revenue-based departments
- Property taxes enforced by counties with no lawful authority
- Code enforcement fines issued without due process
- Licensing requirements with no constitutional basis
- Administrative court proceedings based on policy, not law
If it walks like a business and acts like a business—it’s a business. And if you didn’t agree to it, they can’t lawfully force it.
Supreme Court and case law that supports Clearfield application
- Clearfield Trust Co. v. United States, 318 U.S. 363 (1943): Government loses sovereignty in commercial capacity
- United States v. Burr, 25 F. Cas. 30 (1807): Government has no right to presume jurisdiction
- Norton v. Shelby County, 118 U.S. 425 (1886): Unconstitutional acts are void, not law
- Cohens v. Virginia, 19 U.S. 264 (1821): The court must prove its jurisdiction and authority
Once they’re in commerce, they must prove the contract—and most of the time, there isn’t one.
How to invoke the Clearfield Doctrine in your case
Here’s how to expose the fraud:
- File a motion or affidavit titled: “Notice and Demand for Contractual Authority Under the Clearfield Doctrine”
- State that the agency or officer is acting in a commercial capacity
- Demand production of a valid, signed contract proving consent and obligation
- Deny all presumed agreements, obligations, or liabilities
- Reserve all rights and refuse performance without lawful agreement
- Cite Clearfield Trust and related constitutional law
- Serve to all parties and demand rebuttal within a deadline
If they fail to respond or produce the contract, they have no authority—and everything they do becomes fraud under color of law.
How Joel Stephen Mattson used Clearfield to expose fraud
In my lawsuit, I didn’t just argue policy—I demanded proof of lawful authority. When I was charged, fined, and threatened without contract, I filed affidavits denying all agreements and citing the Clearfield Doctrine. They couldn’t produce anything—because nothing existed.
That silence proved fraud. And it became evidence in my civil rights claim. When the government acts as a private entity, they lose immunity—and I held them to it.
What others have done to win using Clearfield
People across the country are using this doctrine to:
- Get fines and fees dismissed for lack of contract
- Force agencies to back down when challenged
- Turn court cases into civil rights lawsuits
- Sue individual actors for commercial fraud
- Cancel property tax and DMV claims not backed by real contracts
The system depends on people not knowing this doctrine exists. But once you invoke it—they panic.
How to apply this in your own case
- Identify if the party is acting commercially (revenue-based, policy-driven)
- Demand proof of a signed, lawful contract
- Deny all obligations absent voluntary agreement
- Include Clearfield language in your motions and affidavits
- Serve and record your filing for evidence
- Use non-response as proof of fraud and lack of jurisdiction
- Follow up with civil rights claims if ignored or retaliated against
This isn’t theory. It’s commercial law—and once you put it on the record, they have to answer… or admit they’re lying.
Related Articles
Connect this doctrine to these hard-hitting strategies:
- How to Challenge the Court’s Assumed Authority with One Affidavit
- Why the Constitution Still Protects You Even if the Courts Ignore It
- How the Magistrate Act Was Weaponized Against You
- The Courtroom Consent Game: How Silence Becomes Your Enemy
Final thoughts
You don’t owe performance to a private corporation unless you agreed to it. And when government acts commercially, they lose their shield.
Because the truth is: they’re only winning because you don’t fight back on paper.
Make the record yours.
And let their own filings take them down.
Next Article in the Series: How to Recognize Legal Fictions Before They Trap You
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