By: Joel Stephen Mattson
Most people walk into court thinking they have to prove something. But the truth is: they have to prove authority first. And if they don’t, nothing else matters.
Every court assumes jurisdiction. Every officer assumes authority. Every agency assumes you’re under their control. But assumption is not law. And if you don’t challenge it, you become the evidence against yourself.
This article shows how one properly worded affidavit can force the court to prove its power—or collapse under the weight of its own presumptions.
What does the court assume the moment you show up?
They assume:
- You are the NAME on the docket
- You are within their jurisdiction
- You have agreed to their rules and procedures
- You are subject to their corporate authority
- You’ve waived all constitutional objections by participating
And if you don’t object in writing, they proceed as if every one of those assumptions is true.
The power of affidavits in challenging authority
An affidavit is not a motion. It’s not a request. It’s a sworn statement of fact under penalty of perjury. And unless it is rebutted point-by-point with equal standing, it stands as truth in commerce and law.
Once served, a sworn affidavit that denies jurisdiction and authority becomes the foundation of your defense and your counterattack.
- It denies consent
- It forces the court to prove its legitimacy
- It creates a record of objection
- It establishes standing for federal action if ignored
Supreme Court cases that back your right to challenge jurisdiction
- Thompson v. Whitman, 85 U.S. 457 (1873): The validity of a judgment can be challenged for want of jurisdiction at any time.
- Hagans v. Lavine, 415 U.S. 528 (1974): Jurisdiction is the first and fundamental issue in any proceeding.
- Louisville & Nashville R. Co. v. Motley, 211 U.S. 149 (1908): A court must determine jurisdiction before addressing any substantive issue.
- Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137 (1803): “All laws repugnant to the Constitution are null and void.”
They cannot just assume power. They have to prove it. And a sworn affidavit forces that burden back where it belongs.
What goes into the affidavit
Here’s what to include in your jurisdictional challenge affidavit:
- Affidavit Heading: “Affidavit of Status and Challenge to Assumed Authority”
- Statement of Status: Declare you are a living man or woman, not the legal fiction NAME
- Denial of Jurisdiction: Clearly deny subject matter, personal, and territorial jurisdiction
- Rebut Presumptions: Deny consent, citizenship contracts, and implied authority
- Reservation of Rights: Include UCC 1-308 to retain all unalienable rights
- Demand for Proof: Require verified authority, injured party, and jurisdictional foundation
- Oath and Signature: Swear under penalty of perjury, with date, name, and signature
Serve it to the court, the opposing party, and any agency involved. Then demand a response within 10 days—point by point, with sworn evidence. If they don’t rebut it, they default.
How Joel Stephen Mattson used this to shut down their claims
When I was railroaded by law enforcement in Clyde, Texas, I didn’t beg the court for mercy. I served a sworn affidavit:
- Denying all forms of jurisdiction
- Declaring my political status as a living man
- Rebutting all corporate assumptions and contracts
- Demanding constitutional authority be proven
- Citing my reserved rights under the law
They never rebutted it. Because they couldn’t. And once it was on the record, every action they took became unlawful—and I used it in my federal lawsuit to prove retaliation, abuse of process, and malicious prosecution.
What others have done to win with affidavits
Thousands of people across the country are now:
- Getting traffic cases dismissed
- Blocking civil suits at the jurisdictional level
- Collapsing code enforcement claims
- Dismissing family court rulings
- Reversing judgments that were made without lawful authority
All because they filed a sworn affidavit denying the court’s authority and demanding proof.
How to apply this strategy in your own case
- Draft your affidavit using clear, declarative language
- Include constitutional citations and key case law
- Deny all presumed contracts and authority
- Serve the affidavit on all relevant parties
- Keep copies of proof of service for your record
- File a notice of default if no rebuttal is returned
- Use the unrebutted affidavit as evidence in higher court if needed
This one document forces the court to stop assuming and start proving—or exposes their fraud for all to see.
Related Articles
To support this strategy, read:
- How to Force the Court to Prove Jurisdiction with One Filing
- How to Challenge Every Court Presumption in One Motion
- Why the Constitution Still Protects You Even if the Courts Ignore It
- How the Magistrate Act Was Weaponized Against You
Final thoughts
Courts win by assumption. But assumption is not evidence. And silence is not agreement. With one affidavit, you can take away their false power and put them on notice: Prove it, or get out.
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 Use the Clearfield Doctrine to Expose Government Fraud
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