In Detroit, a legal ruling has reinforced that there is no constitutional protection for owning brass knuckles in Michigan. These weapons, typically linked to violent behavior, are prohibited in almost 24 states, and Michigan’s Court of Appeals upheld a 1931 statute enforcing a five-year prison sentence for possession. This decision was encapsulated in an 18-page document from the court.
Judge Christopher Murray, in a unanimous 3-0 opinion, maintained that the prohibition of brass knuckles aligns with a historical precedent of banning concealed dangerous weapons. The judge noted the significant harm a punch with brass knuckles can inflict due to their design—a sequence of rings that fit over the hand.
During previous court discussions, Judge Murray remarked that the general perception links brass knuckles to gang-related violence and criminal activity rather than any honorable use. This negative reputation has persisted over time.
The particular case involved attorneys for a resident of the Grand Rapids area who contended that the state’s ban infringed on the Second Amendment rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which covers the right to bear arms. Lawyer Ryan Keast advocated that societal views on what is considered a dangerous weapon have evolved, indicating that brass knuckles are accessible online and could serve as effective tools for self-defense.
Presently, nearly two dozen states share Michigan’s stringent stance on brass knuckles, while 17 others impose regulations on their possession. Notably, Murray pointed out that no appellate court nationwide has tackled the constitutional debate over such a ban, highlighting the distinctiveness of Michigan’s ruling.