The text is a transcript of various court proceedings, primarily in the United States, involving individuals who identify as "sovereign citizens". These individuals reject the jurisdiction of the U.S. government and believe they are not subject to its laws.
The first case involves Asher Edwards, a 39-year-old man from Placerville, California. Edwards, who identifies as a sovereign citizen, is arraigned on charges of making terrorist threats, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstructing peace officers. He refuses to recognize his name as it appears on the charge, claiming it was issued without his consent. Despite his objections, the judge proceeds with the arraignment, and Edwards is found guilty of all charges and sentenced to one year in prison.
The second case involves David Hall, who appears in court for driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license. Hall, also a sovereign citizen, refuses to be recognized as a "person" and insists on being referred to as an "individual". Despite his legal difficulties, Hall is released on bond.
The third case is in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, where Beau Davis is charged with contempt of court for refusing to remove his hat in court. Davis is sentenced to five days in jail.
The final case is in Kootenai County, Idaho, where Robert Peterson, a 21-year-old filming the proceedings, is charged with three counts of battery and one count of contempt of court. Despite his objections, Peterson pleads guilty to the charges and is ordered to pay a fine.
In all these cases, the sovereign citizens reject the jurisdiction of the courts, question the authority of the judges, and refuse to cooperate with the proceedings. Despite their defiance, they are eventually found guilty and face various legal consequences.
Here are some possible facts extracted from the text:
1. Asher Edwards is a 39 year old man who was charged with making terrorist threats, assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing peace officers after a two-day police standoff in Placerville, California.
2. Edwards considers himself a sovereign citizen who rejects the modern legal system and claims to live under common law.
3. Edwards challenged the judge's authority and questioned the validity of his name spelled in all capital letters, which he said was a fictitious name issued without his consent.
4. Edwards was found guilty of all the charges and sentenced to one year in prison.
5. David Hall is another sovereign citizen who was arrested for driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license in Broward County, Florida.
6. Hall claimed to be the settler, agent and individual, but not the person, of David Hall, and refused to acknowledge the judge's jurisdiction over him.
7. Hall's bond was set at ten thousand dollars and he was not allowed to be released from jail because he violated his original bond conditions.
8. Beau Davis is a member of an anti-government movement who refused to remove his hat or leave the courtroom in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, when asked by the judge.
9. Davis was charged with contempt of court and sentenced to five days in jail.
10. Robert Peterson is a 21 year old free man who tried to enter the Kootenay County Courthouse in Idaho with a camera, which was against the rules.
11. Peterson argued with the bailiffs and refused to cooperate with the security check, until he was tased and arrested by Chief Bailiff Pete Barnes.
12. Peterson was charged with three counts of battery and one count of contempt of court, and entered an Alford plea, meaning he did not admit guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence to convict him.
13. Keisha Johnson is an 18 year old woman who was charged with possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
14. Johnson refused to come to the podium and asked the judge to prove his jurisdiction over her, claiming to be under common law.
15. Johnson was arrested and charged with contempt of court, and found guilty the next day after apologizing to the judge.
16. Jenna Vondran is a 36 year old woman who was arrested for filming in the courtroom during Johnson's hearing, despite being told to stop by the bailiff.
17. Vondran was found guilty of disorderly conduct and served one day in jail.