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.

  • Soggy@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    1 month ago

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

    • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
      1·
      1 month 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.