In defending themselves against a federal government they claim is operating outside the government's jurisdiction, Ed and Elaine Brown ... all » have filed 42 motions in Concord, New Hampshire's, US District Court and had every one denied. The couple then spent three days in court last week listening to the federal government try to build an income tax case against them."Of course the government failed. They didn't prove a thing. There's nothing to prove. We didn't violate a statute because there is no statute, and they don't even have jurisdiction. In fact, the court is operating out of a building that New Hampshire never ceded to the federal government--as the law requires in order to have jurisdiction over anyone who has ever been tried in that court!" ~Mark Yannone
The couple that gained fame or infamy (depending on who you ask?) were taken into custody on Thursday night, after a five-month standoff with police and over a decade of refusing to pay their taxes. Authorities say they were taken peacefully from their Plainfield, New Hampshire home, although Brown supporters are asking for "proof of life" and are calling it a kidnapping by the "Feds."The Browns haven't paid taxes since 1996, and were convicted of federal tax charges on January 18th. They were not present in court for their April sentencing, where they were given 63 months (5 1/4 years) federal prison term. They gained media interest and thousands of supporters for their stance that there is no law that makes the average American liable for being taxed on their income. They holed up in their home and refused to surrender, keeping weapons for defense, and getting power from a wind turbine generator and solar panels. They filed 42 motions in Concord, New Hampshire's U.S. District Court, which were all denied.Visitors to the Brown residence were prohibited; a notice was given by the U.S. Marshals Service stating that anyone who entered or remained on the property without their authorization would be criminally prosecuted.A fan/supporter profile on MySpace.com for Ed and Elaine Brown posted this message from Elaine on September 28th:"Ed and I have said 'enough,' and even though we are currently unable to leave our home without risking being unlawfully assaulted by the federalies, we are more free now than we have ever been, as we have boycotted any and all government claims on us. At the same time the government has unlawfully attacked us by terminating our electricity, internet access, television satellite, telephone, and mail (the federal marshalls keep all mail that is sent to us.) The federal marshalls have said they know we have broken no laws, but they will come against us when ordered to."
