Court Cam: Top 5 Sovereign Citizen Moments | A&E
TLDRThe video script details various interactions between self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizens' and the American legal system. These individuals believe they are not subject to certain laws and engage in confrontations with authorities. Asher Edwards, charged with serious crimes, is found guilty and sentenced to prison. David Hall, another sovereign citizen, argues about his identity in court and ends up with a higher bond. In New Hampshire, Beau Davis is removed from court for refusing to remove his hat and is later sentenced for contempt. Robert Peterson in Idaho resists security measures and filming in court, leading to his arrest. Keisha Johnson in Kentucky challenges the court's jurisdiction and is also arrested for contempt. The video provides a glimpse into the sovereign citizens' movement and the legal consequences of their actions.
Takeaways
- 📍 Asher Edwards, a 39-year-old self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen,' faced charges including making terrorist threats and assault with a deadly weapon after a domestic disturbance escalated into a police standoff.
- 🏛 Sovereign citizens, like Edwards, believe in rejecting certain laws and legal systems, such as maritime admiralty law, which they view as the foundation of the modern legal system.
- 🔍 Edwards was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to one year in prison, highlighting the consequences of such beliefs when they clash with the law.
- 🚗 David Hall, another sovereign citizen, declined a public defender and faced charges for driving under the influence and with a suspended license, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for driving laws.
- 🤔 Hall's attempt to argue his case using unconventional legaleze, such as claiming to be an 'individual' rather than a 'person,' was met with a firm response from Judge John Hurley.
- 💸 Hall's bond was set at $10,000, and he was required to remain in jail unless he could pay, showing the court's method of addressing repeated offenses.
- 🎓 In a New Hampshire courthouse, Beau Davis, a member of an anti-government movement, was charged with contempt of court for refusing to remove his hat, illustrating the court's authority over conduct.
- 🚫 Robert Peterson, a 21-year-old 'free man,' resisted security measures at an Idaho courthouse, claiming he was not subject to jurisdiction, and was eventually subdued with a taser after refusing to comply with bailiffs.
- 📹 Peterson's filming of the courthouse proceedings without permission led to further charges, including battery and contempt of court, emphasizing the rules regarding recording in legal settings.
- 🌿 Keisha Johnson, an 18-year-old charged with drug-related offenses, refused to cooperate with the court process, claiming to be part of the sovereign citizens movement, which rejects certain institutions and laws.
- 📈 Johnson's case resulted in a finding of guilt for possession of marijuana and a fine, while Jenna Vondran, who was arrested for filming in the courtroom, faced a charge of disorderly conduct.
Q & A
What charges was Asher Edwards initially facing?
-Asher Edwards was charged with making terrorist threats, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstructing police officers.
What does the term 'sovereign citizen' refer to in the context of the video?
-A 'sovereign citizen' refers to an individual who believes they are not subject to certain laws and operate under a personal interpretation of common law, rejecting the modern legal system.
What was the significance of Asher Edwards' reference to Maritime Admiralty Law?
-Edwards, as a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, rejects Maritime Admiralty Law, which he believes underpins the country's legal system. He and others like him consider it to be the law of the sea and international commerce, not applicable to their personal lives.
What was the outcome of Asher Edwards' trial?
-Asher Edwards was found guilty of all charges and was sentenced to one year in prison.
Why did David Hall decline the services of a public defender?
-David Hall, identifying as a sovereign citizen, likely declined the services of a public defender because he believes certain laws do not apply to him, which might include the legal representation provided by the court.
What was unusual about David Hall's approach to his court hearing?
-David Hall's approach was unusual because he claimed to be appearing as an agent and settler for himself, distinguishing between being a 'person' and an 'individual,' which is a common tactic used by some sovereign citizens to avoid acknowledging the court's authority.
What was the judge's response to David Hall's unconventional legal arguments?
-Judge Hurley addressed Hall's claims by setting a bond for all versions of David Hall, including the 'agent,' 'settler,' 'individual,' and 'person,' effectively turning Hall's arguments back on him and maintaining the court's authority.
Why was Beau Davis removed from the Cheshire County Courthouse?
-Beau Davis was removed for refusing to remove his hat when asked by the judge, which is considered a sign of disrespect and can be grounds for being held in contempt of court.
What was Robert Peterson's stance on being searched upon entering the Kootenai County Courthouse?
-Robert Peterson, a sovereign citizen, refused to be searched, claiming he was not subject to the court's jurisdiction and had a right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.
What led to Robert Peterson being charged with battery and contempt of court?
-Peterson was charged with battery and contempt of court after he refused to turn off his camera in the courtroom, resisted the bailiffs' instructions, and accused them of violating his rights, leading to a physical confrontation.
What was the final outcome for Keisha Johnson's case?
-Keisha Johnson was found guilty of contempt of court and served one day in jail. On her original charges, two were dropped, but she was found guilty of possession of marijuana and fined $185.
Outlines
😀 Asher Edwards' Courtroom Antics
The first paragraph details the arraignment of Asher Edwards, a 39-year-old self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen,' in Placerville, California. Edwards is charged with serious offenses including making terrorist threats and assault with a deadly weapon, which resulted from a domestic disturbance that led to a police standoff. The narrative explains the sovereign citizen ideology, Edwards' courtroom behavior, and his eventual conviction and sentencing to one year in prison. The scene transitions to a bond hearing in Broward County with Judge John Hurley presiding over another sovereign citizen, David Hall, who also believes he is not subject to certain laws.
😶 David Hall's Unconventional Courtroom Strategy
In the second paragraph, David Hall, another sovereign citizen, is in a bond hearing for driving under the influence and with a suspended license. Hall refuses legal representation and argues with the judge over the charges, employing sovereign citizen rhetoric about being an 'individual' rather than a 'person.' Despite Hall's attempts to confuse the proceedings, Judge Hurley maintains control, sets a bond, and clarifies that all versions of Hall (as agent, settler, individual, or person) are to remain in custody unless the bond is paid. The narrative then shifts to a courthouse in New Hampshire, where a dispute over a hat leads to a contempt of court charge for Beau Davis, a member of an anti-government movement.
📽 Robert Peterson's Sovereign Citizen Standoff
The third paragraph describes Robert Peterson's encounter with courthouse security in Idaho. Peterson, a sovereign citizen, resists security protocols, including the removal of his hat and the prohibition of filming in the courtroom. He argues about his rights and jurisdiction, leading to a tense exchange with the bailiffs. Peterson's refusal to comply with court rules results in his arrest for battery and contempt of court. The narrative then moves to a case involving Keisha Johnson in Louisville, Kentucky, who, as a member of the sovereign citizens movement, challenges the court's jurisdiction and is instructed to approach the podium to address her charges.
👮♀️ Disruptions and Arrests in Kentucky Courtroom
In the fourth paragraph, Keisha Johnson, an 18-year-old facing drug-related charges, refuses to cooperate with the court's procedures in Kentucky. She is part of the sovereign citizens movement and challenges the court's jurisdiction. Meanwhile, another disruption occurs when Jenna Vondran is told to stop filming on her cell phone. The judge orders her arrest, and additional deputies are called to the courtroom. Johnson is eventually arrested for contempt of court, and the next day, represented by an attorney, she acknowledges the need to represent herself respectfully. Johnson is found guilty of contempt of court, released after one day, and fined for the possession of marijuana charge. Vondran is also found guilty of disorderly conduct and serves one day in jail.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Arraignment
💡Sovereign Citizen
💡Terrorist Threats
💡Assault with a Deadly Weapon
💡Obstructing Police Officers
💡Maritime Admiralty Law
💡Contempt of Court
💡Battery
💡Drug Paraphernalia
💡Tampering with Physical Evidence
💡Alford Plea
Highlights
Asher Edwards, a 39-year-old man from Placerville, California, was arrested and charged with making terrorist threats, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstructing police officers after a domestic disturbance escalated into a two-day standoff with police.
Edwards identifies as a 'sovereign citizen', rejecting the modern legal system and believing he is not subject to its laws.
The concept of 'maritime admiralty law' is referenced, which sovereign citizens believe forms the basis of the legal system they reject.
Edwards argues that his government-issued name in all capital letters does not represent his 'true self'.
Despite Edwards' outbursts, the judge allows him to finish his rant before using the mute button.
Edwards is ultimately found guilty of all charges and sentenced to one year in prison.
David Hall, another sovereign citizen, argues in court that he is an 'individual', not a 'person', and should not be held responsible for the charges against 'David Hall'.
Judge Hurley humorously plays along with Hall's unconventional legal arguments, but still sets his bond at $10,000.
Hall's attempt to post bond leads to more confusion over his various 'identities', but he remains in jail.
Beau Davis, part of an anti-government movement, refuses to remove his hat in court and is eventually carried out in a wheelchair after repeatedly defying the judge's orders.
Davis is sentenced to five days in jail for contempt of court due to his disruptive behavior.
Robert Peterson, a 21-year-old 'sovereign citizen', films his encounter with courthouse security, questioning their authority and refusing to comply with standard procedures.
Peterson argues he is a 'free man' outside the court's jurisdiction and resisting security checks leads to a tense standoff.
Peterson is forcibly removed from the courthouse after refusing to turn off his camera and repeatedly defying the bailiffs.
Charged with battery and contempt of court, Peterson enters an Alford plea, not admitting guilt but acknowledging evidence, and is ordered to pay a fine for his original traffic infraction.
Keisha Johnson, an 18-year-old woman, disrupts her arraignment hearing by refusing to approach the podium, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and must 'prove jurisdiction' over her.
Johnson is arrested for contempt of court, spends a day in jail, then returns before a new judge where she represents herself more respectfully.
Johnson is found guilty of the marijuana possession charge, fined $185, and has her other charges dropped.
Jenna Vondran, who was filming in the courtroom, is arrested for disorderly conduct and also serves one day in jail.
Transcripts
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