A Michigan court says there's no constitutional right to possess brass knuckles in the state. It is a weapon typically associated with violent ambushes in dark alleys and banned in nearly two dozen states.

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.eeEnglish
      2·
      12 hours ago

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

      • Soggy@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        16 hours ago

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

        • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
          1·
          13 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.eeEnglish
            2·
            12 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.

            • Soggy@lemmy.worldEnglish
              2·
              6 hours ago

              Nobody is using these for crimes and that’s why they’ve skated past regulation for so long. If brown people started carrying flintlock pistols for self-defense rhere would be legislation drafted within the week.