The Michigan Court of Appeals, in an 18-page opinion, declined to interfere with a 1931 law that carries a five-year prison term for simply having brass knuckles, also known as metallic knuckles.

A “ban on the possession of metallic knuckles falls within the historical tradition of prohibiting the concealed carry of metallic knuckles as a dangerous and unusual weapon,” Judge Christopher Murray wrote in a 3-0 opinion Tuesday.

Brass knuckles are usually a single set of rings that fits on someone’s hand. A punch can inflict serious injuries.

  • The_Caretaker@lemm.ee
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    2 days ago

    By the logic of Massachusetts, you only have a right to a muzzle loader and a sword then. What would they say if I were walking around in Boston with a katana or a British officer’s sabre?

      • The_Caretaker@lemm.ee
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        6 hours ago

        What American swords are there? Where would I find a blacksmith? Americans don’t know how to make anything anymore.

      • The_Caretaker@lemm.ee
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        6 hours ago

        Cannons might not be covered because they are not bearable by a human. I don’t know.

        • Soggy@lemmy.world
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          10 hours ago

          Black powder weapons typically aren’t subject to the same laws as cartridge-based firearms.

          • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
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            7 hours ago

            Because they are somehow classified as percussion instruments. As far as I know you can legally buy a cap and ball colt without paperwork.

            • The_Caretaker@lemm.ee
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              6 hours ago

              My uncle used to carry a cap and ball revolver. If you ever need to use a gun for something wrong, muzzle loaders, cap and ball revolvers and shotguns are the way to go. The lead can’t be connected back to the gun through ballistics. But at least they aren’t dangerous like brass knuckles or nunchaku.

    • P00ptart@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Those existed at the time. You’re also free to choose from axes, clubs and blades to giant semi-automatic crossbows. Sorry, sorry no giant crossbows, that tech was lost by then.