Sovereign citizens often use the phrase “Sovereign Living Soul” (SLS) to express their belief in a separate legal status that exempts them from laws and obligations. Check it out:
- Sovereign Citizen Belief:
- Sovereign citizens view themselves as “Sovereign Living Souls,” separate from the legal person created by a birth certificate. They believe this inherent sovereignty trumps any laws or regulations.
- Disconnection from Reality:
- The concept of a “Sovereign Living Soul” is not recognized in any legal system. Legal personhood is established through birth certificates and social security numbers, and these documents are necessary for interacting with the legal and financial systems.
- Goals of Using “Sovereign Living Soul”:
- Disputed Legal Concept: They believe using “Sovereign Living Soul” after their signature on legal documents grants them immunity from laws and court jurisdiction [1, 2]. This concept has no basis in legitimate legal codes.
- Pseudolegal Argument: Sovereign citizens often use SLS as part of a pseudo-legal strategy aimed at confusing judges or court officials. They believe it signifies a separate legal entity, distinct from their given name, exempt from legal obligations [2]. This approach holds no weight in court.
- Why It’s Wrong:
- No Legal Basis: There’s no legal foundation for the concept of a “Sovereign Living Soul.” Legal systems operate based on documented identities and citizenship.
- Can Hinder Daily Life: Insisting on this status can cause problems when trying to open bank accounts, get a job, or obtain licenses.
- Here’s what to remember:
- “Sovereign Living Soul” is a concept invented by sovereign citizens and has no legal standing.
- Legal personhood is a well-defined concept, and sovereign citizens are still subject to the laws of the country they reside in.
- If you encounter someone using this phrase, it’s likely a sign of sovereign citizen ideology and potential resistance to legal authority.
Citations:
- [1] FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin: Sovereign Citizens: A Growing Domestic Threat to Law Enforcement https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/sovereign-citizens-a-growing-domestic-threat-to-law-enforcement
- [2] National Conference of State Legislatures: Model Sovereign Citizen Protection Act, www.ncsl.org/.
