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
          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.

            • Soggy@lemmy.worldEnglish
              2·
              1 month 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.