The ‘Lore’ Labyrinth

Written By DoC

Exploring Pseudolaw Fundamentals in New Zealand

In recent years, the belief system known as pseudolaw has gained traction in New Zealand. This ideology proposes that individuals can declare themselves exempt from government policies, laws, regulations and local council processes. Often associated with the label "sovereign citizens" (or SovCits), these individuals assert their ability to "opt out" of legal obligations through self-declared processes, such as submitting an "Affidavit’ to government departments, police and councils. However, the term "sovereign citizens" is not only frequently refuted by adherents, but also by scholars who recognize that pseudolaw encompasses various typologies beyond the traditional U.S. SovCit movement.

In New Zealand, many pseudolaw adherents are inclined towards the "Freeman on the Land" (FOTL) doctrine, rooted in UK and Canadian pseudolaw traditions. While the term “sovereign citizen” remains notable, it's essential to contextualize it within pseudolaw's broader applications, which vary by region and culture. Pseudolaw followers in New Zealand may adhere to American templates, however most favor UK and Canadian concepts or a hybrid thereof. Behaviors range from peaceful dissent to belligerence, occasionally leading to physical confrontations. Although categorized as domestic terrorist entities in the U.S., New Zealand's unique historical, cultural, and regulatory contexts significantly differ. More significantly the designation in the US is applied on a case by case basis. Some academics rightly argue adherents rejection of the SovCit label is linked to avoiding a extremist or terrorist designation, with terms like "Private Society" , ‘Suv’rean”, or "Lawful dissenters" being more widely adopted.

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a contemporary evolution of pseudolaw in New Zealand, with some intertwining with indigenous sovereignty disputes. Unfortunately, some groups have misappropriated cultural symbols, further complicating public , government and broader academia understandings. My research currently indicates that pseudolaw ‘gurus’ in the COVID-era pseudolaw landscape often adopt more conspiratorial views, endorsing notions of government takeover more readily than their predecessors. While there is a risk of violence it is most likely to be reactive however case by case analysis is encouraged. A considerable number of adherents see pseudolaw as a mode of protest or withdrawal from mainstream societal systems without the intent to dismantle government structures. It's crucial to avoid blanket categorization of all adherents under the U.S. "sovereign citizen" profile, as this fails to acknowledge the nuanced nature of these beliefs.

Vocal pseudolaw adherents frequently adopt tactics to challenge authorities, asserting personal legal interpretations. These methods include filing frivolous lawsuits, refusing to pay taxes, and creating counterfeit identification documents. Such actions often lead to legal repercussions, as adherents remain subject to existing real-world legal frameworks. Encounters with law enforcement and the judicial system are frequent, with a noticeable rise in pseudolaw-related cases in family courts, impacting children and families both in New Zealand and abroad. Additionally, more individuals are refusing to pay rates and are losing their homes in mortagee sales. While there is a risk of violence it is likely to be reactive however case by case analysis is encouraged.

I argue that ‘Paper terrorism” is problematic framing that complicates the picture simply due to the connotations the word ‘terrorism’ evokes. While activities can involve harassment and targeted actions equating it to “terrorism” creates an adversarial positioning that lacks analysis. Another way to understand the paper tactics is to liken it to a internet/cyber ‘denial of service’ activity (DOS ) where there is an intent to overwhelm and disrupt.

Another challenge is any tendancy to align them all under other groups such as ‘far right’ or conspiracy movements despite the overlap in some activities. There are many reasons that men or women come to believe in these ideas . But there is a commonality across the research here and internationally, that shows on average pseudolaw adherents are middle-aged or older, most typically male but women also feature significantly. There are some younger forms seen in the USA such as American Nationals showing how pseudolaw is not monolithic and requires a deeper understanding.

As part of my ongoing doctoral research, I have meticulously gathered and analyzed a range of pseudolaw documents, training manuals, and video materials. My research spans recent years and includes the collection of pseudolaw "trademarks," stamps, document headers, and social media content. By contextualizing these findings within historical documents and court files, I aim to establish a robust local and global temporal framework for understanding pseudolaw and its security implications in NZ. Alongside legal analysis from academics such as Stephen Young ( Otago University) this work will provide a comprehensive social and security understanding of pseudolaw manifestations and demographics in New Zealand which has been missing.

DoC https://www.unmaskingextremism.com/
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