No, brass knuckles are classified as “prohibited weapons” under Mississippi Code § 97-37-1, making their manufacture, sale, or possession unlawful without a valid permit. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Jackson Police Department, enforce these restrictions, and violations may result in felony charges under § 97-37-5.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Mississippi
- Prohibited Status: Mississippi explicitly bans brass knuckles as “dangerous weapons” under state statute, with no exceptions for antique or decorative items.
- Penalties: Possession or transfer constitutes a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000, per § 97-37-5.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Biloxi and Gulfport may impose additional ordinances, though state law supersedes local variations.
Recent legislative shifts in 2025 introduced stricter penalties for concealed carry of prohibited weapons, including brass knuckles, aligning with Mississippi’s broader “Second Amendment Sanctuary” enforcement trends. The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Critical Infrastructure (MBNCI) now tracks prohibited weapon trafficking, collaborating with federal agencies like ATF to curb illegal distribution. Owners of pre-existing brass knuckles must surrender them to local law enforcement or face prosecution under § 97-37-17.
Courts in the Northern District of Mississippi have consistently upheld these restrictions, citing public safety concerns. No legal loopholes exist for self-defense claims, as Mississippi’s “stand your ground” laws (§ 97-3-15) do not extend to prohibited weapons.