Use this Dialogue in Court for a Criminal Arraignment

Judge: “Do you understand the charges against you?”

Defendant: “No, Your Honor.”

Judge: “What is it that you do not understand?”

Defendant (Announcement 1):
“Your Honor, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution secures, though does not grant, my right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation brought against me. It further imposes upon this court the duty to ensure that I am so informed. At this time, I do not understand either the nature or cause of this action and therefore request clarification before proceeding.”

Judge: “Very well. What would you like to know?”

Defendant (Question 1):
“Is this matter being adjudicated as a civil or criminal action?”

• If the judge answers civil, respond:
  “Objection. Let the record reflect that this is a civil proceeding. As such, the State, acting as both plaintiff and arbiter, is violating due process. I move for immediate dismissal on the grounds of improper venue and lack of standing.”
• If the judge answers criminal, continue:

Defendant:
“Thank you, Your Honor. Let the record reflect that this matter is being treated as a criminal action. I have a follow-up question.”

Defendant (Question 2):
“Your Honor, the Constitution recognizes two criminal jurisdictions applicable to courts: (1) Common Law criminal jurisdiction, which requires an injured party and due process protections, and (2) criminal procedures arising under Admiralty or Maritime jurisdiction, generally involving contractual obligations under international law. Under which jurisdiction is this court proceeding?”

• If the judge answers Common Law:
  • Defendant:
    “Objection. Under Common Law, there must be a sworn complaint by an injured party. As there is neither an identifiable injured party nor such a complaint, I move for immediate dismissal for failure to state a claim under proper jurisdiction.”
• If the judge answers Admiralty/Statutory or Statutory Jurisdiction:
  • Defendant:
    “Let the record show that this court asserts statutory or admiralty jurisdiction. Your Honor, may I request that the relevant rules of criminal procedure under this asserted statutory jurisdiction be entered into evidence? In order to prepare my defense, I must know under what specific procedural rules I will be operating.”

Judge stalls or deflects (e.g., suggests speaking to an attorney):

Defendant (Announcement 2):
“Respectfully, Your Honor, I am not seeking legal advice. I am asking the court to disclose the nature and jurisdiction of this proceeding, as is required under the Sixth Amendment. I appear today in propria persona, and as such, I must be informed—on the record—of the legal foundation for this court’s authority to proceed.”

If the judge insists on proceeding without disclosure:

Defendant (Announcement 3):
“Let the record show that the court has refused to disclose the nature and jurisdiction of this proceeding. Let the record further reflect that this court seeks to try a criminal matter under a secret jurisdiction, not recognized in the Constitution, and known only to licensed members of the Bar. I move for immediate dismissal on the grounds that the accused cannot mount an informed defense without such fundamental disclosures.”

If judge asserts statutory or admiralty jurisdiction based on contractual obligations:

Defendant (Question 4):
“Your Honor, Admiralty jurisdiction requires a valid international contract to be in dispute. I am unaware of having entered into such a contract. Therefore, I respectfully request that the prosecution enter into evidence the alleged contract which confers such jurisdiction, and explain how I am party to it and compelled to perform under its terms.”

If the prosecution cannot or will not produce the contract:

Defendant:
“Let the record show that no valid international contract has been produced and that no evidence exists showing that I am party to any such obligation. I move for dismissal on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and failure to state a cause of action upon which relief may be granted.”