Words Matter
But what happens when there is no word for a phenomenon?
The State calls people who represent themselves ‘ Litigants in Person’ ( LIP’s ) as if this aptly describes the situation where a rogue arm of the state is busy oppressing the masses.
It neglects to fully describe this particular type of action so let’s give it a name, and by their name ye shall know them…
Citigant /ˈsɪtɪɡənt/ noun
A citizen litigant who has been prosecuted, fined, or sued by a branch of their own government and who defends themselves in court by challenging the state’s actions or authority.
The term captures the distinctive tension of a citizen forced into legal conflict by a branch of the state and characterised by their defence and/or counter-claim against petty wrongdoing, victimless transgressions, government overreach or general tyranny.
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