Sovereign citizens believe there’s a special power associated with using red ink on legal documents, but it’s a misconception entirely unrelated to how the legal system works. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sovereign citizen belief: They often subscribe to the idea that red ink cancels things out, like a contract or debt, when used on legal documents.
- Origin of the myth: The exact origin is unclear, but it might stem from outdated practices where red ink was used for denoting corrections or cancellations on some historical documents.
- Color of ink irrelevant: In modern legal systems, the color of ink used to write or sign a document has no bearing on its validity. Courts are concerned with the content and proper signing of the document, not the ink color.
- Sovereign citizen goals: There are two main reasons sovereign citizens might use red ink:
- Negating Obligations: They might believe using red ink on things like court documents or loan agreements cancels their legal obligations.
- Symbolic defiance: It can also be a symbolic gesture of rejecting the legitimacy of the legal system.
- Why it’s wrong:
- No Legal Basis: There’s no legal principle that grants red ink any special power to cancel contracts, debts, or other legal matters.
- Can Actually Hurt Your Case: In some cases, using color ink might raise questions about the authenticity or seriousness of the document, potentially harming your case.
In essence:
- Sovereign citizens’ use of red ink is based on a myth and holds no weight in the legal system.
- The color of ink used doesn’t affect the validity of a legal document.
- If you’re considering using red ink on legal documents, it’s best to consult with a lawyer to avoid any unintended consequences.
Citations:
- A QUICK GUIDE TO SOVEREIGN CITIZENS – UNC School of Government: https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/Sovereign%20citizens%20brief%20guide%20Mar%2013.pdf This guide mentions that sovereign citizens believe that by using certain catchphrases and writing in red ink, they can avoid liability in the judicial system.
- The Sovereign Citizen Movement – Southern Poverty Law Center: https://www.splcenter.org/ This resource provides general information about the sovereign citizen movement and their various tactics and beliefs.
