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.world
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      310 days ago

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

      • @Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
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        110 days 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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          210 days 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.world
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            210 days 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.