By: Joel Stephen Mattson
Most people walk into court believing they are protecting themselves by saying, “Not guilty.” They think it’s the right move, the safe move, the legally correct move.
But in administrative courts, even saying “Not guilty” is a trap.
Because by entering a plea—any plea—you’re accepting the court’s authority to rule over you.
Why Pleading Grants Jurisdiction
A plea is more than a defense. It’s a contractual response.
By entering a plea:
- You’ve accepted the role of the DEFENDANT (corporate fiction)
- You’ve agreed the court has jurisdiction to hear your case
- You’ve voluntarily submitted to its procedures, policies, and rules
And the moment you do that, it doesn’t matter what you say next. You’ve waived the argument that the court lacks power over you.
What the Court Won’t Tell You
Judges won’t stop you. Prosecutors won’t warn you. Even public defenders will encourage you to enter a plea—because they all depend on one thing: your silent agreement that the court is legitimate.
And the best way to capture that agreement is to get you to speak the language of the court.
“Guilty or not guilty?” is not a question—it’s a trap.
What You Should Do Instead
If jurisdiction hasn’t been proven:
- Do not enter a plea.
- Verbally state: “I do not consent to this proceeding. Jurisdiction has not been established.”
- Refuse to respond to the ALL CAPS name
- Declare: “Until jurisdiction is proven on the record, I cannot proceed.”
If forced, state: “I object under duress and without consent.”
How to Set the Stage Before You Appear
- File your documents in advance:
- Notice of Non-Consent to Magistrate Jurisdiction
- Affidavit of Truth
- Demand for Proof of Jurisdiction
- Serve all parties:
- Judge, prosecutor, clerk, and any attorneys
- Use Judicial Notice to enforce your filings
- Force the court to acknowledge your standing and objections
What If They Enter a Plea for You?
Sometimes courts will say, “We’ll enter a not guilty plea on your behalf.”
That’s fraud.
You didn’t consent. You didn’t contract. You didn’t agree.
Respond by filing a Motion to Strike Unlawful Plea and restate your position in writing. Reaffirm that no jurisdiction has been proven, and any presumed plea is made under fraud and without authority.
Final Word: Silence Is Better Than Submission
In court, the safest move isn’t to speak—it’s to object.
Don’t enter the game they’re playing. Don’t argue facts if jurisdiction hasn’t been proven. Don’t give them power with your words.
Because once you say “Not guilty,” the trap has sprung.
Next Article in the Series: How to Turn Their Paperwork Against Them in Court
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