72yo Collector Arrested for Possession of a Flintlock in NJ

[pudly]

A retired school teacher was arrested for possession of a 300 year old flintlock pistol as part of his collection of 18th century collectables in NJ. Such possession is legal under federal law, but illegal under NJ law which doesn't provide any exceptions. He is facing up to 10 years in prison, loss of pension and voting rights for the violation of an unconstitutional law. The accompanying video is interesting, particularly the points at the end.

In Jersey, A Flintlock Pistol Can Get You A 10-Year Jail Sentence - Matt Vespa

 

[Kirk Freeman]

States such as New Jersey should not be allowed to enact these infringements of civil rights. Time for Congress to snap their leashes and bring them back in line.

I suggest starting here: Second Amendment Penumbras: Some Preliminary Observations (Final) by Glenn Harlan Reynolds :: SSRN

 

[spec4]

Christie has a chance to shine by showing leadership on this and stepping up. Question is, is he sharp enough to realize the opportunity.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Out of curiosity, I skimmed the New Jersey state constitution (especially their Article 1 Rights and Privileges), looking for a 2A equivalent. I didn't see one. I saw where they established a right for organized labor but I'm not seeing one for the right and keeping of arms. Hmmm...

 

[pudly]

Not every state has it. In NJ's case, they only seem to have restrictions/infringements.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

This is some absolutely insane stuff here.

 

[warthog]

Yeah, I saw this today too. STOP THE MADNESS!

 

[TheSpark]

Educate the public on their right to use jury nullification in these cases. I believe, even in strong liberal states, it would not be possible for for a prosecutor to sit a jury who wouldn't nullify these type of cases if the jurors all knew about it.

So far, the states still need citizens to convict people on these infridgements of their constitutional rights.

 

[Mark 1911]

It is insane that this can happen in the United States. Needs to be addressed and stopped. What about jail time and permanent loss of public office for legislators who attempt to pass these kind of laws?

 

[MCgrease08]

This is just another example of why I will never live in New Jersey. I have a lot of family there and they don't understand why I don't like to come visit.

My uncle is a hay farmer ain NJ And has offered to let my family and me live on the farm so he can teach me the trade and pass it down to me when he retires. I would love to take him up on the offer, but I'm not moving to New Jersey as long as stuff like this continues to happen.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Out of curiosity, I skimmed the New Jersey state constitution (especially their Article 1 Rights and Privileges), looking for a 2A equivalent. I didn't see one. I saw where they established a right for organized labor but I'm not seeing one for the right and keeping of arms. Hmmm...

A state does not need to have the right penned in a constitution for the right to be present.

Without the 2A in our US Constitution, we'd still have the right...but it'd be harder to realize than if it were specifically enumerated as an example of those inalienable rights that must be protected.

 

[Ben Nelson]

Christie has a chance to shine by showing leadership on this and stepping up. Question is, is he sharp enough to realize the opportunity.

Nah, he's having another doughnut and he besides he's more antigun than pro.

 

[jwh20]

Christie has a chance to shine by showing leadership on this and stepping up. Question is, is he sharp enough to realize the opportunity.

I think that's unlikely. Christie seems more interested in appealing to the leftists than to conservatives which I believe he views as a lost cause.

 

[searpinski]

A retired school teacher was arrested for possession of a 300 year old flintlock pistol as part of his collection of 18th century collectables in NJ. Such possession is legal under federal law, but illegal under NJ law which doesn't provide any exceptions. He is facing up to 10 years in prison, loss of pension and voting rights for the violation of an unconstitutional law. The accompanying video is interesting, particularly the points at the end.

In Jersey, A Flintlock Pistol Can Get You A 10-Year Jail Sentence - Matt Vespa

That's ridiculous. Don't we have more important things to worry about than destroying civil rights? Don't these people have day jobs?

 

[jwh20]

That's ridiculous. Don't we have more important things to worry about than destroying civil rights? Don't these people have day jobs?

Considering the vengeance that these cases are pursued with, it's clear that this IS what the police, prosecutors, and judges in NJ have as day jobs.

 

[jwh20]

Here is the contact information for the Cumberland County NJ Prosecutors Office:

Cumberland County, NJ - Prosecutor's Office

The phone number:

Main Phone Number: 856-453-0486

I'm going to call and register my disgust at their actions. If you recall that PA woman who ventured across the barbed-wire at the NJ state line who they charged with illegal possession of a gun:

A.C. to allow Phila. woman carrying gun to avoid jail - Philly.com

It seems that public pressure influenced the Atlantic City Prosecutor to allow her (how f-ing generous!) into a diversion program.

Post this crap anywhere you can and get people to read these mini-Hitlers in NJ the riot-act!

 

[drop45]

I wouldn't go to Jersey if my life depended on it. I wouldn't go there to **** down Christi's gullet if he was dying of thirst.

 

[BogWalker]

I hereby announce a personal embargo on the state of New Jersey and all goods originating from it.

 

[indykid]

I wonder if the Republican National Committee is paying attention, or are their collective heads so far up Christie's butt that they don't care if they lose another presidential election.

 

[spec4]

My cousin moved there about ten years ago. He lives like a conservative but votes liberal. Still can't figure that out. Anyway, he loves it out there.