The History of the Organized Pseudolegal Commercial Argument Phenomenon in Canada

Authors

  • Donald J. Netolitzky Donald J Netolitzky (PhD Microbiology, University of Alberta, 1995; LLB, University of Alberta, 2005) is a Legal Counsel for the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/alr422

Abstract

This article discusses the history of the poorly understood Organized Pseudolegal Commercial Arguments (OPCA) phenomena. Drawing from various reported and unreported sources, the author begins his review in the 1950s with two distinct pseudolegal traditions that evolved separately in both the United States and Canada. Focusing on the prominent members of each era of the OPCA movement, the author explains in depth the concepts behind the movement and what it means for the legal system in Canada today. The article culminates with an analysis of the current OPCA groups and how Canadian courts should respond to future OPCA litigants, while also giving reasons as to why it is important for Canadians to take notice of this movement due to potential security risks.

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Published

2016-04-06

Issue

Vol 53, No 3

Section

Articles

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