Even if the law was not stupid (it is), and even if there was a technical violation of the law (which is arguable, though possible, but even this would just showcase how dumb the law is), de minimis non curat lex is supposed to cover these things. And its not that its a crime to possess ammunition. Its just that to possess ammunition, you have to also have a DC registration for a gun. This man had no registration for a gun in DC because he has no guns in DC. And its not like he was carrying any real ammunition (as people commonly think of it), because the DC code defines ammunition as follows: Ammunition means cartridge cases, shells, projectiles (including shot), primers, bullets (including restricted pistol bullets), propellant powder, or other devices or materials designed, redesigned, or intended for use in a firearm or destructive device. This man possessed (after a full search of his house by a SWAT team) the following items: a shotgun shell that was a dud (which is why he kept it, as a memento), a spent 270 casing (that means a brass container with no powder, primer, or bullet), and antique replica muzzleloader bullets which is a piece of metal in a particular shape. This means you can be (as this man was) prosecuted for possession something that is only able to be propelled through the air at a victim by throwing it. This is what happens when people who know nothing about guns make laws about guns. washingtontimes/news/2014/mar/26/miller-exclusive-shock-verdict-mark-witaschek-guil/
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 23:23:36 +0000
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