Court Cam: Top 5 Sovereign Citizen Moments | A&E

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.

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.

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.

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.